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Mon, 20 Nov 2017 19:58:48 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.8What Size Bike do I need and why does it matter?http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-size-bike-do-i-need/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-size-bike-do-i-need/#respondSun, 29 Jan 2017 16:45:44 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1930If you often ask yourself the question “what size bike do I need” then read this post to find out more.Getting the right size of a bike is one of the key factors that you need to put into focus as you choose the right bicycle for yourself or any of your family members. Irrespective of […]

]]>If you often ask yourself the question “what size bike do I need” then read this post to find out more.Getting the right size of a bike is one of the key factors that you need to put into focus as you choose the right bicycle for yourself or any of your family members. Irrespective of the type or purpose of the bike you intend to buy, sizing remains an indispensable consideration. The reason is if you do not get the correct sizing, all the other factors will not benefit your choice of the bike because you will be unable to use it properly and comfortably.

As a smart buyer, you need to make sure that you have made every effort to get the right sizing before you get out your cash or credit card to make payment for that bike you have elected. The fitting needs to be exact so that you don’t end up with a “loose” oversized bike. You also need to ensure that you don’t choose a bicycle size that is too small for you so that you don’t end up with a “tight” undersized machine that will compromise your level of enjoyment as you cycle. The important thing here is to ensure that you strike a balance between the two extremes.

In this post, I am going to take you through a step-by-step and comprehensive coverage of what it takes to get the right bike size and why it is vital to land on the exact size. As the post progresses, we shall cover the following key areas: fitting the bike; the main components to consider in the sizing matrix; the consequences of lading the wrong bike size; the benefits of getting the right size of bike; valuable tips in how to choose the correct bicycle size; choosing the correct bike size for kids; and the final thoughts about this vital sizing consideration.

Fitting the Bicycle

You can get the correct bike size by using the readily available sizing charts. By making optimal use of charts, you will save yourself the hassles of ending up with the wrong size. You can get these sizing charts on the Web even though every serious bike shop will always provide them free of charge for their customers. But you need to make the final choice based on how comfortable the bike will accommodate you because a chart is a rough guideline. So, make sure that after using the chart, get yourself onto the bike and confirm the comfort and ease of riding that bike.

The main components to consider in the sizing matrix

The choice for the right bike size will encompass different components on the bicycle. This section is going to share with you some of the main ones and why you need to consider them.

Frame size

The frame is the leading component that you need to put into focus as you settle for the right size of the frame that will meet your biking needs. If your bike frame is too big or too small, you will have difficulties cycling. For example, you will have challenges extending your legs into a complete cycle if your frame is too small. On the other hand, if your bike’s frame is too big for your size, you will also be unable to achieve a complete drive from your leg rotations. So, ensure you strike the right balance.

Seat position

Another part you need to look at is the position of the seat and the post. You need to test the comfort of the saddle’s positioning so that you don’t end up in an uncomfortable sitting and cycling position. Make sure that you adjust the seat and post so that you don’t end up riding in a position that is sliding forward or bending backward. You need the perfect balance so that you can ride without undue pressure on your back. Also, you need to ensure that the position of your saddle allows for your feet to naturally rest on the pedals. Ensure that you have a position that your heaps are not moving to either side of the bike as you strive to reach the pedals.

Handlebars position

Another component you need to look into is the sizing of your bike’s handlebars. This consideration is more valuable for a rookie than it is for a veteran. The reason here is that if an inexperienced rider uses a bike with wrong handlebar sizing, they can end up with backaches, sore arm wrists, and strained shoulders. You also need to take this factor seriously because handlebars are sized based on the overall size of the bike’s frame. However, the width of these bars will vary depending on the type of bike you have decided to buy. For instance, a tour and race bike will have handlebar width that is in harmony with your shoulders, but mountain bicycles have handlebars that are broader than the rider’s shoulders.

Wheels

Another main area of sizing you need to take care of is the wheels. You will have to look at the size of the wheels based on the kind of the bike you are selecting. The reason here is that different kinds of bikes will have varying wheel sizes. You also need to understand that the sizing of the wheels is measured by its diameter. But it is easier to get the size of the wheels without measuring them because every wheel has its size written on it.
Another factor you will have to put into consideration is the purpose of the bike you want to buy. This is because bicycles are grouped in categories such as touring, off-road, and road bikes. Mountain bikes are known to have smaller wheel sizes that are also wider and stronger compared to other bike types. On the other hand, touring and road bikes have slimmer wheels compared to their mountain bike counterparts. Their rims are also thin and lighter when compared to mountain bicycles.
However, the story is different if you are looking for the correct bike size for your kids. The reason here is that children’s bike frame sizes depend on the age of the kid. They come with little trainer wheels that you will need to adjust to a higher level as the child gains more experience as they ride. You may need to check the size based on the age of your little one and other factors that we shall see in the section I have dedicated to this matter towards the end of this article.

Bike pedal and crank

Another area of sizing you will need to consider is the pedals and cranks of the bike. All bike pedals come in three different styles, namely toe clip, clip less, and standard. When you get the right size of pedals, you will be assured of transferring riding motion to the bicycle in a manner that is efficient.

What are the consequences of the wrong frame size?

So what is wrong with missing the right bike size after all? There is a lot at stake if you choose a bike that is either too big or too small for you. You need to pay special attention to the handlebar’s stem length and the clearance of the stand over. This section will examine some of the challenges that you will experience when you get the wrong bike frame size.

An oversize bike will give you the following problems:

Backaches: A bike that is too big for you will cause you backaches. The reason here is that you will struggle to reach the handlebars, and this challenge intensifies when you ride for a long time.

Limited stand over clearance: If your bike is too big, you will experience a reduced stand over clearance that will cause to suffer from winces.

Reduced and limited control: Another consequence of riding a bike that is bigger than your size is that you will have limited control over it. When you can’t control the bicycle well, you may end up compromising your own safety and that of other road users.

An undersized bike will cause you these problems

Injury resulting from long cycling sessions: If the frame of your bike is too small for you, you will end up cramping yourself in a small position that will expose you to overall body pains especially if you are riding for a long time.

Toe overlapping challenges: If your bike is too small for you, you will end up with overlapping toes that will clip the front wheel.

Excess stand over clearance: If you land a bike that is too small for you, you will end up with an excessive stand over clearance that will cause you back pains especially if you are engaging in cycling for a long time.

Making the necessary adjustments

But how can you be sure of getting the right frame for yourself or your family members? The best way to be sure is by testing the bike yourself. You need to take time and mount the bicycle yourself and see how comfortable it feels to handle every component of the bike.

You need to test different bicycles in a different environment so that you can know what works best for you. Additionally, you have to ensure that all the contact points of the bike fit well. The handlebars, seat, and pedals need to be just right. You need to fine tune the bicycle by adjusting some of the parts such as the stem and handlebars. However, these adjustments will only benefit you if you get the right size.

Why is the right frame size important?Understanding the Benefits

So why is an exact bike size beneficial? In every way!This section will examine why correct sizing is important and the benefits you will get if you land the correct one. Just keep on reading below to learn more about some of these benefits.

Enhanced comfort: As a cyclist, comfort is one of the few vital things you cannot compromise or trade away for anything else. Correct fitting will ensure that you ride the bike in a manner that flows well with your biometric features and positioning. The sizing will ensure that you engage your joints and muscles while occupying a comfortable position.

Reduced chances of getting injured: It is not uncommon for riders to get injuries due to riding a bike that is either too small or too big. The right fitting will ensure that you sit well so that you don’t suffer joint, muscle, and back pains by striving to strike your balance as you do your cycling. The reason here is that if you have the right fitting, you will be riding in a neutral position that does not place increased workload on your joints and muscles due to imbalance.

Better performance:Another benefit of getting the right size of the bike is that you will enjoy an enhanced performance. The reason here is that you will be riding in a position that allows you to have a complete scope of engaging your muscles in a balanced manner leading to faster and faster riding.Additionally, you can ride for longer when you are in a more balanced position than if you are in a confined position where you are struggling to reach the handlebars and pedals.

Improved safety and control: When you are riding a smaller or bigger bike, you will always struggle to control it. Lack of proper control of the bike will make the bicycle to start wobbling and losing control in such a manner that you may compromise your safety. But all this can be avoided if you are sitting on a bike that fits you well because you are in full control of things. If you want to know how this principle works, try giving an adult bicycle to a 7-year old boy and see how they will struggle to try to control it.

Faster learning for beginners: Another benefit of getting a bike your size is that it facilitates the faster development of cycling skills and techniques. New riders will enjoy riding the bike, and in the process of doing so, it will be easier for them to acquire better riding experience and techniques. But the story will be different if a rookie is struggling with an oversized bike that they can hardly control. A comfortable riding position is instrumental in facilitating and motivating the learning process.

Long-term savings: When you get a bike sizing that fits you well, you will save yourself a lot of money in the long-term. The reason is that it will be easier for you to find the right size of bike parts in the future. If you were prompted to by the bike based on the design and other factors that don’t include the fitting, you might end up losing money trying to look for spare parts that don’t fit the machine well.

You will enjoy your cycling: Biking is supposed to be an enjoyment session and not another drudgery that you need to endure and suffer as you wait to throw it into the garage. When the fitting is right for you, you will enjoy every moment of it and get all the fun you deserve from your riding adventures.

Reduced overall fatigue: Cycling is an activity that consumes energy, and it will definitely leave you more tired than it found you. However, when you are riding in a comfortable position, you will avoid unnecessary fatigue that arises from riding a smaller or bigger bike.

Reduced foot hotness: If your bicycle’s frame size is right, you will reduce the “hot foot” thing that you will suffer when you ride a bicycle that is not fitting you well.

Lesser numbness in the hands and fingers: If you get the right fitting of the bike frame, you will reduce the amount of numbness you will experience especially if you are riding for a long time.

Lesser saddle discomfort and genital numbness: Another benefit of riding the right size of the bike is that you will cut down on the amount of saddle discomfort that you will experience after a long riding adventure. Additionally, the amount of numbness and discomfort that your “sacred things” on the saddle will undergo will be drastically reduced.

Serenity:If you get the right size of bike and you know that you are going to enjoy the benefits we have covered in the preceding paragraphs, you can rest assured that all will be well as you use your new machine. Peace of mind will be automatic because you will have saved yourself all the avoidable issues we have discussed above.

Some Valuable Tips to help you choose

Are there straightforward tips that you can use to get the right size of bike for you? The answer is a big “yes.” This section is going to share with you some insightful tips that I believe will guide you through the size determination process and help you get the right fitting.

Consider your riding style

One of the factors that you will need to consider before you settle for a bike size is your riding style. If you are a mountain biker, most of the time you will be cycling while bending forward. If you are used to a road bike, you will be spending most of your riding time in an upright position. That is why two riders with the same height, but having different riding styles may still need different bike sizes.

Your height matters

Your height is another factor that you will need to consider in the size selection equation. You have to take measurements for your height and your inside leg. But how do you do that? You will need to stand against a wall and mark it with a pencil so that it is on the same level with your head’s top. Afterward, you can take measurements from the ground up to the mark you made on the wall.

If you want to measure your inner leg, stand against a wall and hold a book in between your legs into your groin while ensuring that it is flat against the wall.

Bicycle type matters too

Another tip you need to have at your fingertips is the kind of bike you want to buy. For example, if you are going for a road bike that you will need to ride while in an upright position, you will need a bigger size. Likewise, if you are going for a mountain bike that requires aggressive cycling while occupying a forward bending position, you will require a smaller size compared to a road bike. So, you need to keep this consideration in mind as you make the final decision on sizing. Just make sure that whatever bike type you are going to settle for, let it fit you well.

Understand how to measure bicycles

Another tip you need to have at the back of your mind is how different bikes are measured. In most cases, bikes are measured by the length of their seat tube. The measurement starts from the center of the bottom or that of the bolt that is connected to the crank arms. However, the rule does not have a copy paste universal application since there are slight variations in the way it is done based on the type of bike brand in question. The measurement of the bike also varies based on the type of bicycle at hand. For instance, some bicycle types such as mountain bikes are measure in inches or by general descriptions such as large, medium, and small. On the other hand, road bikes are measured in centimeters and descriptive terms such as small, medium, and large. The length of most bikes usually gets longer as their sizes increase even though some brands on the market are known for being either larger or smaller than other brands.

Stand over height

Another thing you need to understand as you make a decision to settle for a particular bike size is the stand over height. This height refers to the tallness of the bicycle’s frame from the ground. This measurement is also expressed in terms of your leg height minus 2 cm. If you want to get this height easily, you have to measure it while wearing your shoes.

What about choosing the correct bike size for kids?

Kids are serious consumers in the biking market, and the equation is not complete without them. In this section, I am going to share with you some of the valuable tips you need as you make the final choice of the right bike size that will serve your child better. Additionally, children are a special category clientele hence you need to pay special attention to their sizing. I have made a list of the things you will need to take care of as you finalize the purchase process of your child’s bicycle.

Don’t over rely on the chart range

Well, I know you may think that I am trying to trash the importance of age as a factor because we have charts that give sizes based on age brackets. On the contrary, I need you to understand that the fact that two kids may be the same age,but that does not automatically mean that they are the same height or size. You need to use the age bracket as a guideline, but you have to make the final decision based on the actual size and height of your kid. Additionally, you have to factor in the inside leg measurement as you get the right size of bike for your little one.

Don’t buy a bike that your child will grow into

Buying oversized things expecting kids to grow into or with them is a common tradition with all parents. This tendency may have some valid application in other areas, but when it comes to bikes, you need to buy a bike that your child will enjoy and use well in the present. The reason here is that a bike has serious safety factors attached to it hence if you buy them bike that is bigger than their size, they may have difficulty managing it. An oversized bicycle will be too cumbersome and wobbling, and it may end up killing your child’s love and passion for bikes.

When in doubt, ask the experts

There is no harm in you asking the right questions from the right person if you are not sure of anything. If there is an issue that is not clear, you have to ask the experts (a good bike shop has trained workers who can advise you) so that you can save yourself avoidable errors that can cost you money and also compromise the safety of your child. Additionally, making consultations will save you many hours of searching the Internet while the answers could be locked up in a 10-minute chat with a specialist. Remember, most of the answers on the Net come from people who you may be rubbing shoulders with on the floor of the bike shop. Don’t forget that your search for answers on the Web may end you with more confusing questions than answers!

Don’t settle for the first bike

Another key that you need at your fingertips is not settling for the first bike your child test rides. You need to test at least three bikes so that you can come up with the best size that suits your child.

Let the child test-ride the bike

Another factor you need to consider as you make the final decision on the correct size of bike for your child is the practicality of the bicycle. After you have put the measurements and all the other considerations into place, you have to get your kid on the bike and see how well it fits them. This is the best way of ascertaining the suitability of the bicycle. You need to check out if the child’s feet can freely touch the ground when they are not cycling.Also, check if the child can ride the bike in a relaxed and controlled manner. In addition, you have to take into account the proportions of your child’s body and their personal riding position.

Closing Remarks

Finding the right bike size is one of the major considerations that you will need to have at your fingertips before you make payment for that bike you have fallen in love with. If all the other factors are fine, but the bike can’t fit you, you can be sure that you will have wasted your hard-earned cash, precious time, and efforts trying to get a machine you won’t be able to use. That is why it is imperative you ensure that you have landed the right frame size that will facilitate the proper usage of the bike.

The benefits of getting the right bike size are many, and cannot be overstated. For instance, a fitting size will give you greater control over the machine; hence you will enjoy better safety on the road as you ride. Additionally, a suitable size will save you unnecessary fatigue after a riding session because you will not be straining to reach the handlebars or pedals.

On the other hand, failing to secure an appropriate bike size has its own load of consequences that you can suffer. For instance, a bike that is not your size will expose you to muscle and back pains because you will need to keep bending forward or backward seeking for an ideal cycling position. Moreover, failure to find the right size of bike frame can reduce the speed of learning for new users because you need a properly fitting bike to help you master the necessary biking skills and techniques.

So, next time you go out shopping for a bike and ask yourself “what size bike do I need” make sure you go for the one that fits you or your family members well. Finalizing your purchase process this way will enable you to enjoy all the benefits that we have shared in this post while avoiding the many consequences of landing the wrong bike size.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-size-bike-do-i-need/feed/0How to store your Bike during an Off Season Periodhttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/how-to-store-your-bike-during-an-off-season-period/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/how-to-store-your-bike-during-an-off-season-period/#respondSat, 29 Oct 2016 20:02:29 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1672The active training and competition season has ended and you are staring at the setting in of winter. You now need to hang up your bike and enter another season marked by low activity. The season is going to be so dormant that even your racing bike needs to take a break from the road. […]

]]>The active training and competition season has ended and you are staring at the setting in of winter. You now need to hang up your bike and enter another season marked by low activity. The season is going to be so dormant that even your racing bike needs to take a break from the road. But as you anticipate the off season period to set in, you need to store your bicycle and wait until the season is over and spring comes knocking.

How best can you store your bike so that when spring comes you will get it in its optimal working condition? What should you do to ensure that the bike is stored in a manner that is safe and proper? All these questions are valid, and they require straight answers, and that is why this article seeks to provide you with all these answers in a manner that is satisfactory and easy to understand.

By following the insights and guidelines provided in this post, you will be able to save your bike from different deterioration problems that arise when your bike stays out of use for a long time. However, the scope of this post is confined to storing the bike within the confines of your home and not the premises of commercial storage companies. By the time you come to the end of this article, you will be armed with all the facts that will enable you to get back your bike on the road in the best riding condition when spring comes around.

As the article unfolds, we are going to examine this topic under the following subsections: making the right preparations for the season; choosing the right location for your bike: either outdoors or indoors; understanding the various storage methods plus their cons and pros; tips on how to store your bike indoors and outdoors; how to prepare the bike for riding when spring comes and; the parting shot.

Making the preparations

In this section, we are going to look at some of the mandatory preparations that you will have to make before you finally hang up the bike. The reason for such preparations is that there are some parts of the bicycle that will need to be removed while others will need to be subjected to preservative processes such as oiling and painting. Below are some of the preparatory steps you will take.

Remove all computers and electronic accessories

If your bike has any computer accessories, you need to remove and store them separately. The reason for this detachment is that such devices are prone to the adverse effects of extreme cold weather conditions and hence you will need to store them in a safe and dry place. In addition, when you keep computers and other electronic gadgets away from excess cold, the life of their batteries will be prolonged.

Remove all water bottles

The other vital accessories that you will need to detach from the bike are your water bottle. Removing these bottles will ensure that they don’t get exposed to debris and other effects of freezing in the garage or any other place where you will have stored your bike.

Clean the bike

Before you store the bike, you have to wash it thoroughly. In the process, you’ve got to ensure that you remove all dirt, grime, mud, and any road salt so that the bike does not corrode during the cold season ahead. Additionally, you need to dry the bike properly after washing so that it is not exposed to rusting.

Tune up the bike

Another vital preparatory step you will need to take is to fine tune your bike. By fine-tuning the bike before storage, you will be sparing yourself all the usual last minute rush to fine tune it when the spring season comes around.

Inflate the tires

In addition, you will need to inflate the tires before you store the bike even though you will not be using it for a long time. The reason behind such a move is to ensure that the bike does not develop bulges or flat spots that are common when a bike stays on its wheels without being used for a long time or lacks sufficient inflation. However, inflating your tires is not applicable if you will be storing it using the hanging method.

Lubricating the cables and chains

Don’t forget to lubricate your bike’s chain and cables. Lubricating your bike in preparation for winter will enable it to have higher levels of protection from all the corroding effects that can affect its parts that are more prone to corroding components. When you do the lubrication properly, you will eliminate all the issues that arise from rusting while on the other hand, you will be boosting the bike’s performance once winter is over.

Inspect the bike’s frame

Before you send your bike for that long annual leave, it is necessary to inspect it. The best time to assess the bike is when you are cleaning it. You need to make a thorough and closer inspection of the bike’s general and structural completeness. Check out for any sign of weakness, crack, and metal fatigue, especially around the bottom bracket that holds the greater part of the weight. You need to check for any screeching sound and make all the necessary adjustments and repairs before storage.

In the process of inspection, you will need to pay attention to some of the following parts of the bike. Check out to see if the wheels are loose or they have any broken spoke and also to establish that they are spinning correctly. Additionally, you need to make sure that the wheels are spinning in a straight manner and they don’t veer off or make any rubbing on the brake pads.

Other components that you will need to pay close attention to are the brake pads. You will have to ensure that they are properly aligned, and they don’t have any serious wear and tear.

Clean the bike’s chain

Additionally, you will be required to clean your bicycle’s chain. You need to remember that the chain is one of the most important components on your bike and keeping it clean is instrumental to the performance of the bicycle. You will have to remove all the dirt and debris that have accumulated in the chain during the peak season that is coming to an end. Cleaning the chain will protect it from rust and keep it ready for cycling when winter fades away.

Choosing the best location

After making all the storage preparations as we have seen in the preceding chapter, we now shift our attention to the place where you will elect to store your bike during the coming winter season. The most important factor here is the decision you make to store the bike either indoors or outside. However, if you are living in a rented apartment, you will most likely be forced to store the bike outdoors. If you are going to store the bicycle outside, you’ve got to pay attention to the following tips:

Make sure that the bike is completely dry so that you don’t have problems with rusting

You will have to ensure that you oil the chain and all other parts that need oiling such as gears and bearings

In case the bike has a steel frame, you will need to repaint or oil all exposed metal parts

Additionally, if your bike has a steel frame, you will have to add a layer of buff and wax

In case the frame of your bike is carbon, you’ve got to polish it with lemon fresh wood furniture polish

Another factor to take into consideration as you store your bike outside is its safety. You will have to lock it securely so that thieves will not have an easy time trying to steal it

Lift up the bike, so that is does not rest on its tires

You will need to use a cover all around the bike so that you can protect it from hostile weather elements

If you opt to store the bike indoors, then you’ve got to pay special attention to the remaining sections of this chapter. The options you have for indoor storage are the basement, garage and even a room if you have a big house.

Ultimately, indoor storage is the safest option even though you will have to exercise some caution, especially if you are storing it in a garage. That is why you will need to lock your bike so that you don’t give a diligent thief an easy time to steal it when you have opened the door to the garage.

As you store the bike indoors, you can still choose to hang it by either both or one of the wheels. You also need to make sure that you don’t store the bike with its tires on bare concrete surfaces such as basement or garage floors for a long time. The reason behind this precaution is that the concrete on the floor will suck in the moisture in the tires and cause them to dry, rot, and age prematurely.

However, you can still store the bike on the floors as long as they don’t have concrete. Additionally, you can cover a concrete floor with other materials such as mats or carpets and then store the bike with its wheels on the floor. However, when you choose this kind of storage, you have to ensure that you inflate the tires and keep on checking their pressure levels on a regular basis during the winter season. Taking such precaution will ensure the tires don’t bulge out for a long time and stop them from cracking and developing other weaker spots.

Another factor you need to put into consideration as you store your bike during winter is the effect of cold temperature on the bike. You need to understand that extremely cold temperatures cannot and do not damage a bicycle. The only problem may only arise when and if there is a sudden or drastic change in the temperatures from cold to warm and vice versa. Such frequent and swift shift in temperature can cause a condensing in moisture and, make the frame of the bike corrode.

Due to the possibility of rusting as a result of sudden temperature changes, you have to choose your storage location carefully. This kind of consideration will ensure that your bike remains safe. You, therefore, need to make sure that if you cycle your bicycle in cold weather, store it in a place that is also cold such as a garage and not in a room that is warmer.

Storage options

After choosing the most appropriate location to store your bike for the cold season, you also have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to how you will store your bike. There are several ways and positions of storing a bike, and this section is devoted to the sharing of some of them. We are going to take an in-depth examination of each one of them in relation to their different pros and cons. Keep on reading below to learn more.

Wall and ceiling storage hooks

This form of storage entails the use of a hook. You will need a storage hook that is coated with vinyl and has a J shape. You can buy these hooks from any bike shop or hardware near you. To use them, you will need to screw them on a wall or ceiling and then hang your bike on them by one wheel.

The advantages of this method

This method has a few advantages over the other methods. First of all, they are more affordable. Second, they are simple and easy to use.

The disadvantages of ceiling and wall storage hooks

Despite the affordability and simplicity of the method, it has a few notable cons. First, you must screw them into a wall stud. The second shortcoming is that you need to raise the bicycle to the level of the hook and this can be a bit tiresome.

Wall storage hook with tray

This is another form of wall hook storage. It features a wall hook and a small tray onto which the bike wheel rests. The tray ensures that the bike’s tire does not mark and spoil the wall. Other variations of this storage method also feature an extra tray that holds the other wheel while others may have a single tray that holds the two bike wheels.

The advantages of this method

This storage option has two main advantages: first of all, it is a simple solution that is easy to use; second, it does not mark or spoil walls.

The disadvantages of the method

Despite its awesome strengths, the method has two main shortcomings that are similar to those of the method we have discussed before. First of all, you need to screw into a wall stud and second; you need to lift the bike to the hook’s height.

Wall storage hook with full-length tray

Wall storage hook is another form of wall-mounted hooks. It has two hooks that keep the bike held onto the wall, hence it doesn’t make a vertical turning during storage.

The pros of this method

The main advantage of storing your bike using this method is: It keeps the bike held in its in usual horizontal position and it eliminates the need to elevate it above the floor.

The main con of this method

The main disadvantage of this system is that you need to screw it into a wall stud.

Other ceiling-based hook storage methods

Not all hook-based storage methods require you to lift the bike above the floor. We have several ceiling-mounted hooks which allow you to easily elevate the bicycle above the floor.

You only need two hooks that are attached to a cord and a set of pulleys and these tools make the elevation process easier for anyone irrespective of whether they are tall or short.

The main pros of the method

The two main advantages of using this storage method are: you use very little of your floor space and; you don’t need to do any heavy lifting to get the bike to the hook.

The main cons of this method

Despite the convenience the method allows you to enjoy, it has one con and that is: you have to screw into a ceiling joist.

Ceiling-mounted bike pulley system

The ceiling-mounted pulley system is another type of bicycle storage rack, and it is most suitable if you have a limitation of floor space. The rack is used to hold one of the bike’s wheels so that the bike does not fall over. Some of them are fitted with small wheels on their stands which makes moving the bike in the room more easier.

The pros of the method

This method has three main advantages and they are as follows: first of all, it is small; second, it is easy to carry around and; third, there is no need to keep on carrying the bike.

The cons of the method

The main downside of this type of storage is that it allows one of the bike’s wheels to rest on the floor.

Free-standing storage racks

These stands are another type of storage and it can hold one or more bicycles on a rack. The good side of these racks is that you can move them to any part of the room when the need to do so arises.

A good number of these racks have wide leg bases and these legs let the racks to freely on their own while holding bicycles on either side. But other types have bike hooks on a single side with the other side leaning against a wall.

The pros of these racks

These storage racks have two main advantages, and they are as follows: first of all, they can hold several bikes and; second, they don’t need you to make any permanent installations.

The disadvantages of the racks

The main con of this method is that you need to lift up the second bicycle so that you can get it to the upper hooks.

Wall-leaning storage rack

These racks are another type of storage and they are similar to the ones we have discussed above. The only difference between them is that you will need to lean the stand against a wall. This kind of storage is an ideal solution appropriate for those households which have many bikes.

Their main advantages

The main advantages of these racks are: you can use them to store many bikes at the same time; their second pro is that you don’t need to make any installations in your walls; and the last advantage of these racks is that it is easy to safely lock bikes onto them.

Their main cons are

Despite their excellent advantages, these racks have a few disadvantages, and they are as follows: first of all, they require a lot of floor space, and hence they may not be the best option for households which have smaller storage rooms; the second disadvantage of this method is that all the bikes will have one of their wheels resting on the floor.

Tips on how best you can store your bike during winter: Indoor and outdoor

I have devoted this section to the sharing of the best tips that will help you get the best out of the winter storage. These ideas will enable you to enjoy the storage process and also reap the many benefits that go with it. Below are some of them.

Make sure that you lubricate the cables or chain before storing the bike

This tip is particularly necessary if you store your bike in a cold garage or basement that is not exposed to heat. In the above storage facilities, it will be necessary for you to lubricate the bike’s cables and chain. However, you don’t need to do lubrication if you plan to store the bike in an area that has access to enough heat.

In case you reside in an apartment, and you want to store your bike for winter on the balcony, then make sure that you lubricate the chain, turn the bicycle upside down, and cover the bike to keep it safe from hostile weather elements.

Remember to inflate the tires before storing the bike

You need to inflate your bike’s tires before you store it for winter because they will get deflated during the cold season. But if you keep your bicycle in a garage that is not heated, you can remove the tires and keep them in an area that has sufficient heat. Such a storage move protects the rubber on the bike’s tires.

You can hang the bike up

You are at liberty to hang your bike on a wall or ceiling. Alternatively, you can turn it upside down to ensure there is no weight being exerted on the tires.

Keep your bike away from direct sunlight

You need to keep your bike away from direct sunlight. The only exception is where you have new windows or ones that have ultraviolet protection. If you store your bike in direct sunlight, the sun’s rays can dry and split the sidewalls of its tires.

Pay special attention to bikes with steel-frame

Another tip that will enable to get the best out of your bike after winter is how you deal with its frame. You need to pay special attention to the frame of your bike if it is made of steel. If you leave such bikes in an area that lacks heat, its steel frame can get so cold that it will condense and cause it to rust. That is why it is prudent to store such bicycles in areas that receive enough heat.

Now that winter is over, and spring is here: How to prepare your bike for spring

When winter comes to an end, there always comes spring, and it is time to celebrate the vanishing of the chilling cold and welcome the arrival of warm and beautiful sunshine. This section is intended to show you how to welcome the new season by getting the bike back to the road and business as usual.

The following paragraphs are intended to give you insightful and clear step-by-step tips and ideas that will enable you to handle your bicycle well and prepare it to get back on the road. This preparation is just as important as the one which preceded it when you sent the bike into hibernation.

Listed below are some of the preparatory steps that will guide you through the process of getting your bike ready for cycling in the new season.

Ensure that you fully tune up the bike

Before you get your bike back to the road, you need to tune it up. However, you can skip this step if you had tuned up the bike before you stored it up for the winter season.

Inflate the tires

The next step after getting the bike out of the storage room is to ensure that the wheels have the right amount of pressure. You need to undertake this step so that you can enjoy a safe ride and avoid running into the inconveniences of riding on a flat tire.

Lubricate the chain again

Another important process you need to subject your bike to, after getting it from the garage or wherever you had stored it, is to lubricate the chain once again. However, this stage may not be compulsory if the chain is still adequately oiled. You will therefore have to use your judgment to decide whether to grease it or not; and if you need to lubricate it, then you have to determine to what extent you will oil. That is why you will have to feel the condition of the chain to see if it is too dry to propel the bike. Alternatively, you can opt to ride the bike for a short period to see if it is producing any unusual noise that calls for lubrication.

Clean the bike

Cleaning is another critical stage your bike needs to go through before you can start using it again after winter is over. You will have to wipe it and remove all the dust it had accumulated in the garage or basement for the few months it was not in use. Make sure you wipe the seat and all the other parts of the frame using a clean piece of cloth and soapy water but don’t use too much water in the cleaning process.

The parting shot

Storage is an important part of maintaining your bike during the off season period that is marked by the chilling cold and hostile conditions that come with winter. Due to the effects that winter can have on your bike, you have to store it properly so that you can continue enjoying it soon after spring sets in.

For you to store your bike well, you have to prepare it properly so that it retains its integrity and soundness.Make sure you wash the bike and dry it well before storing it so that it does not become vulnerable to rusting and corrosion. In addition, you are supposed to remove all water bottles, computers, and all other electronic devices that may be on the machine. You also have to inspect the bike to ensure that it is in its proper functional condition and also lubricate its chain and cables.

Making a choice for the right storage location is another vital part of the process. You need to select a place that is safe from all hostile weather conditions that can adversely the bike or ensure that those places have sufficient heat.

All you need to do is to follow the guidelines and tips we have shared in this article, and you will enjoy riding your bike after winter comes to an end.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/how-to-store-your-bike-during-an-off-season-period/feed/0Bike Trainer VS. Spin Bike: Which one is better during Off Season Traininghttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/bike-trainer-vs-spin-bike-which-one-is-better-during-off-season-training/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/bike-trainer-vs-spin-bike-which-one-is-better-during-off-season-training/#respondFri, 30 Sep 2016 15:02:51 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1598As a professional biker, the setting in of winter and the subsequent cold months presents a challenge to your ability to carry on with cycling training and hence the need to resort to indoor training sessions. But the possibility to engage in indoor training offers you an opportunity to make a choice between various training […]

]]>As a professional biker, the setting in of winter and the subsequent cold months presents a challenge to your ability to carry on with cycling training and hence the need to resort to indoor training sessions. But the possibility to engage in indoor training offers you an opportunity to make a choice between various training tools. Some of the tools that you will need to choose from are indoor trainers and spin bikes.

But between a spin bike and a trainer, which one is better? Which one of these two tools serves you better? Well, answering such a question reminds me of the primary school days where we were asked to debate over topics such as “father is better than mother” and vice versa.

In the same manner, trying to determine which tool between a spin bike and a trainer is better than the other is like trying to debate who between father and mother is better than the other. By comparing the salient features and overall performance of these two machines, you will be left in a dilemma, wondering which one will work better. That’s why you need guidance to help you make a wise decision.

Based on the example we have looked at above, this article is going to make a comprehensive analysis of all the relative differences and similarities that are inherent in these two indoor training machines and how they can be distinctly leveraged to achieve one’s off season training goals and aspirations. In this article, we are going to look at the following dimensions of the two machines before we can draw a summary of the whole debate.

Under this discussion, we shall examine the following areas:

The trainer

– Its unique benefits and advantages

– Its cons and limitations

The spin bike

– Its benefits and advantages

– Its cons and limitations

The typical advantages of the two training facilities

The common disadvantages and constraints of the two facilities

How to overcome the limitations of the two training facilities

The final take on the suitability of the two machines

The trainer

The trainer comes in as a handy tool that enables you to continue training using your racing bike, but with the exception that you will be using your bike in an indoor setting while mounting it on the trainer.

Let us now look at some of the benefits and advantages that make a trainer a suitable tool to use when the weather is chilly during the winter and fall months.

The benefits of using a bike trainer during off season months

Cost effectiveness: The first benefit of using these machines is that they are highly affordable and cost-effective compared to a spin bike and other indoor tools such as elliptical trainers. For bikers who may not want to spend a lot of money on a spin bike, they will find a trainer a better option and be able to use the savings they made on other important gears such as cycling shorts, lights and jackets. With a mere few bucks, you can find a good used trainer that can serve you well during the chilly months of the year. Additionally, you can also find a decent bike trainer at an affordable price. Another area where a bike trainer comes in as a cost-effective solution is that it does not require you to be a paid member of a spinning club or gym.

A higher level of comfort: The other reason why a trainer comes in a suitable facility for off season training is that it offers you better comfort that other machines may not give you. The reason here is that you retain the use of your bike and you can enjoy all its features because every part of the bicycle fits you well.

Convenient on space: By nature, a trainer is designed to occupy a smaller space compared to a spin bike or a traditional training bicycle.

Portable and lightweight: Another outstanding benefit and advantage of a bike trainer is that it is light and you can easily carry it alone. For instance, you can easily park your trainer into a saloon car and travel with it without requiring another helping hand or a pickup vehicle to help you carry it the way you would need if you were transporting an exercise bike.

No need for membership: Another notable benefit of a trainer is that you can use it at home and at your own convenience. You don’t need to register as a member at a gym so as to enjoy your training just like you were in a spinning class.

There are no distractions: When you use your trainer during off season periods, you are relieved of all the road distractions that come with outdoor training. For example, you are not going to encounter any traffic police on the way who may demand you to stop for regular police checks. In addition to the above, you avoid commotions that may be outcomes of the usual traffic jams that are common in large cities. This lack of traffic distraction means that you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted and consistent cadence and training.

Greater levels of safety: Another benefit of using a trainer is that you will enjoy greater safety compared to training sessions conducted on the road. The trainer will keep you safe from possible dangers such as falling off the bike, especially during fog and snowy weather that are common during fall and winter.

You enjoy an all-weather training season: Unlike outdoor training, a trainer allows you to enjoy training all throughout the year.

You enjoy a level surface: If you live in an area that is hilly and you lack a flat surface that you can train on, the trainer gives you an opportunity to enjoy a flat level.

A better environment for concentration and focus: When you are training on the road (over which you have no control), you are mostly likely going to encounter distractions that will disturb your focus and concentration. But with a trainer, you are in your own controlled environment, thus you stand higher chances of maintaining your focus and concentration. Better concentration in a controlled environment will allow you to achieve better performance and results as opposed to a destructive road setting.

You can train faster: With a trainer right within the comfort of your house or home, you waste no time trying to get to the training room. If you were using a spin bike, you need time and energy to walk or even drive to the gym.

You are in control of your program: Another reason why you would opt for the bike trainer is that you have total control of your training program. If you are using a spin bike you will need to submit yourself to the program of the spin club. But with a trainer, you can choose to train any time of the day or night and for the length, you may desire.

Lesser wear and tear on your bike: Outdoor training exposes your bike to greater levels of wear and tear as opposed to when you train indoors using a bike trainer. This reduced wear and tear on your bicycle means that you will be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars that you would have used to fix your bike due to avoidable repairs. In the end, you can enjoy the services of your bike for a more years.

You experience greater levels of consistency: Another beautiful thing about using a trainer is that you train under the same conditions every time. You are not exposed to varying external conditions such as training in the fog today and the following day you find yourself training under different weather conditions. This consistency of the training conditions makes it easy for you to measure your performance because you will be measuring them against the same prevailing variables.

Ease of assembly: Another advantage of using a trainer is that it is very easy to assemble and set up. You only need a few minutes to set up the machine and your training sessions are on.

No worry about adjustments: When you are using a bike trainer, you use your own bike, hence you have no need to worry about the adjustments of the bike the same way you would if you were attending a spinning class that is used by different users.

You experience near-road riding experience: When you use a high quality bike trainer, you get a cycling experience that is closer to the one you would have had if you were riding on the road. The trainer offers you the freedom to adjust the resistance level and some of them allow you to switch to hill mode if told you need to enjoy an uphill experience.

You can also enjoy entertainment while you ride: Another good side of these trainers is that you can enjoy watching your TV set while training because you don’t need the same balancing that you would need if you were riding on the road.

The limitations of a bike trainer

After looking at the many benefits and advantages of using a trainer during off season months, we are also going to take a look at some of the few drawbacks of the machine. These limitations may be insignificant compared to the advantages, but they are worth taking note of, and some of the most common ones are explained below as follows:

Boredom: Unlike spin bikes which are used in a group of users, bike trainers are usually used in isolation. This lack of human company and social fiber makes them a bit boring since you have no one to fellowship with, learn and derive inspiration from. Another factor that brings in boredom is the monotony that goes with the environment. You are always in the same place all the time, and you keep on seeing the same walls every day. This kind of monotony is not common if you are training outside since you can choose to train in different locations and enjoy diverse natural beauties and features.

A lacking in the simulations: We had seen that a trainer could offer you near-road experience that you will most likely enjoy if you were riding outside. But you need to know that the experience that the bike trainer gives you is not exact but close to. Things will definitely be different and better if you are training out in the field.

You get more fatigued: In an indoor training session, you need to keep your feet on the pedal throughout the training. On the other hand, if you are training in the real world, you can stop peddling a little bit and relax your muscles for in cases such as descending hills.

Some trainers may be noisy: Again, I need to emphasize the fact that it is some trainers that make noise, and not all of them. If you need to avoid this inconvenience, you need to invest in a qualitative bike trainer so that you can use them for longer without turning noisy.

Pros and benefits of a spin bike

After looking at the pros and limitations of using a bike trainer, we now take shift our attention and take a look at the pros that you can enjoy if you elect to use a spin bike instead of a bike trainer.

A natural way to relieve stress: A spin bike comes in handy as a very effective tool for alleviating stress. The bike is designed with varying levels of tension and hence you can take advantage of them and focus your training whole you remove your mind from all the burdens that may be stressing you. In addition, most spinning classes are conducted in the company of other people who serve to give moral support and interacting with birds of the same feather is a great way of relieving stress.

You can measure your progress: Another benefit of these bikes is that they come with a monitor that enables you to track your progress at every moment in time. The ability for you to know that you have made progress from one level to another is a real morale booster that goes a long way in helping you to keep on with your workouts.

A good social support: Most spin bikes are used in a gym setting, and they provide a lot of social support for the users.The very fact that you can watch a colleague overcome the same challenges that you are facing is a great way of keeping you high until you achieve your training goals.In addition to the above, other people may be inspired by your level of achievement and start looking up to you.When you discover that there is someone who has determined to remain in the race because of you, you get the psyche to go to the next level and even if you were planning to give up, you end up remaining strong.

A simple way to burn calories: When you want to stay fit during these cold months of the year, spin bikes provide a very excellent way of burning all the unnecessary calories. For instance, if you spin for 45 minutes, you should be able to burn up to 500 calories. However, the level of results that you will get from the spin class depends on the degree of intensity at which you have elected to spin the bike.

You can tone your muscles: Another benefit that a spin bike will give you is that it allows you to enjoy muscle toning. As a professional cyclist, you need strong muscles to compete well in tournaments, and that is why you can decide to use the bike once in a while as you prepare for your races. The bike will help you tone vital muscles that you need for cycling. Some of the muscles that will benefit from a spin bike are those around your thighs, calves, and buttocks.

Increased cardiovascular endurance: Improving your cardiovascular endurance is another essential requirement for you to compete effectively. The increment of your heart endurance will be a big boost to your ability to ride uphill.

Reduced risk of injury: Another advantage of training using a spin bike is that it keeps you safe from all the possible injuries that go with training on the road. You will conduct your training away from all the hazards that are common on the road for example, rogue drivers and other reckless road users.

Adjustable tempo: Using a spin bike gives you the ability to adjust the machine to achieve and give you the level of tension that fits your current level of endurance.

There are no time limitations: The other good side of this bike is that you can use it to train any time of the year without being disrupted by hostile weather. With a spin bike, you no more need to worry about foggy streets or snowy roads.

Ease of use during injuries: Another benefit of using a spin bike is that it is very easy to use if you are nursing a mild injury. This benefit allows you to continue with training without disruptions, and you can increase its intensity as you continue to recover and regain greater strength.

They are cheaper: You can get a spin bike at a lower price compared to buying other training tools such as treadmills.

You can simulate the outside world: With technology having taken effect on all forms of training tools, you can use programs that come with the bikes to replicate similar conditions that you would have enjoyed the entire training outside.

You can keep records: Most of the modern spin bikes we have in the market today come with systems through which you can store all your vital information regarding your progress, distance, and speed.

You can enjoy entertainment: Other benefits of training with a spin bike is that you can also enjoy entertainment such as reading a magazine or watching television as you carry on with your workouts on the bike.

The cons and limitations of a Spin bike

So far, we have looked at the outstanding benefits of training using a spin bike. We now shot the gear and look at the limitations and cons that are inherent in this bike.

It burns fewer calories compared to other workouts: We saw from the benefits of this bike that it helps you to burn a certain amount of calories. But when you compare the amount you can burn on this bike to other workouts, it is lower. The reason behind this comparison is that when you use a spin bike, most of your weight is supported on the saddle. For instance, if you use a treadmill to burn fats for half an hour, you will end burning 236 calories. However, if you decide to use a spin bike to burn fats within the same amount of time, you will end up burning only 148 calories.

They are not so “green”: All spin bikes that have readouts need power to operate. Their need for power makes them unfriendly to the environment compared to real bikes out there on the road.

They only work on your lower body parts: Another limitation that comes with a spin bike is that is works mostly on the lower parts of your body, unlike the real bike which works on every part of our body.

It does not allow you to experience the real weather conditions outside: With a spin bike, you can miss out on the actual training conditions out there on the road such as wind resistance, the glare of the sun, uneven road surfaces, temperatures, and wind resistance.

It needs high levels of discipline and honesty: A spin bike is not meant for jokers who need to be followed and supervised by the gym instructor to do the right thing. The reason here is that it is easier to cheat on a spin bike than it is on the real one. On a spinning bicycle, you can easily lie by lowering resistance, riding slowly and adjusting the level of resistance so as to make it easier for you.

It can be boring: Just like the bike trainer, the indoor scene of training can be too monotonous and lead to boredom. The only thing that a spin class will offer to reduce boredom is the availability of human company.

You are more likely to encounter a sore butt: Another challenge that you will face while using a spin bike is that after some time, your ass will become painful because you retain the same sitting position throughout the training.If you are using a real bike, it is possible to ride while standing and hence reduce the possibility of developing a sore behind.

Common benefits of the two alternatives

This section seeks to examine the standard benefits that come with the two kinds of training devices. The reason behind this similarity and commonality of benefits is that these machines are mainly designed to deliver the same results and facilitate the same process which is: to use indoor training, so as to continue with training during the hostile winter and fall weather.

They save you time out on the road: The first benefit of these two training machines is that they save you a whole amount of time that you would have spent riding and also more amount of time you would have lost waiting for the off season to pass.

Better focus and concentration: The second advantage of these two tools is that they save you all the hassles and distractions that come with on-road training. The reason behind this is that you train in a controlled environment while when you are a public road you have no control over what takes place on the road.

You enjoy greater safety: While training indoors, you are not exposed to as much danger as you would if you were training outside. The reduction of accidents means that you will be spared unnecessary injuries before a race.

Indoor training is more favorable to use during mild injuries: Another benefit of these two machines is that you can still go on with your training even in the face of mild injury. The ability to train with a minor injury means that you don’t need to wait until you have fully recovered before resuming your workouts, and hence you save on the time that you would have wasted.

Greater convenience: When you use a trainer or a spin bike, you enjoy a greater level of convenience. You can decide to train in the night in case you are using a trainer and any time of the year without regard to the challenges of foul weather.

You enjoy many health benefits: Another area that you will stand to benefit from the two training tools is your health. You stand to achieve better cardiovascular endurance and strong muscles when you train well using a spin bike or an indoor trainer. You also benefit from reduced stress due to the social company you get during spinning classes.

Better training morale: when you train using a spin bike, you get exposed it, many people who are pursuing similar goals as yours. You get encouragement from those who are ahead of you as well as those who are looking up to you as a source of inspiration.

Dealing with the typical drawbacks of the two methods

This section deals with the addressing of some of the common drawbacks that come with these two indoor training devices. We are going to look into practical ways of reducing the effects of these shortcomings so that you can remain focused on your workouts and reap the best out of them as you wait for the cold months to come to an end and go back to the road.

Boredom: This is a common problem especially if you are using a trainer alone because you don’t have company.

Solution: You can overcome this hiccup by arranging with a friend or a family member to bring in their trainer so that you can have joint training sessions.

Air movement: This is a common problem in both spinning classes and indoor training at home using a bike trainer.

Solution: You need to organize for a good fan, so that you can enjoy the fresh air during your training sessions.

Dehydration: This is another common challenge that comes with indoor training sessions.

Solution: You need to ensure that you make proper arrangement for refreshment so that you don’t lose too much energy and end up being fatigued along the way.

Closing remarks

Well, up to this far, we have taken a long journey that has extensively covered the two indoor training tools that you can use to prepare for racing competitions during off seasons. We have looked at the two sides of each of these two devices. First of all, our discussion has covered the benefits of each machine and also the disadvantages and weaknesses that are inherent in both of them. We have also looked at the general strengths and weaknesses of spin bikes and indoor bike trainers.

With the above knowledge and understanding in mind, it is very easy for you to make the right decision when you need a machine to help you in your off season training sessions. Just like in the “father is better than mother” debate, there is no basis upon which we can conclude that either a spin bike or a trainer is better than the other. The better machine between the two is what works best for you at your every level and hour of need.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/bike-trainer-vs-spin-bike-which-one-is-better-during-off-season-training/feed/0Common Injuries Cyclists incur and how to prevent themhttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/common-injuries/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/common-injuries/#respondSun, 04 Sep 2016 15:53:25 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1525Irrespective of whether you are a professional cyclist or a normal bike user, cycling can be both fun and healthy to engage in. Many of us take onto the roads with the intention of reaping the benefits of getting their feet onto the pedals and most of the time, these goals are always achieved. But […]

]]>Irrespective of whether you are a professional cyclist or a normal bike user, cycling can be both fun and healthy to engage in. Many of us take onto the roads with the intention of reaping the benefits of getting their feet onto the pedals and most of the time, these goals are always achieved.

But as good as the above facts may sound, the opposite can also happen if certain necessary precautions are not taken into account. The sad fact is that people get injured in the process of cycling and when that happens, it comes with a lot of pain and undesirable consequences.

Injuries that result from cycling can cause cyclists to lose a great deal of their time nursing their injuries instead of training and taking part in competitions. This means that the cyclist can actually end up making huge financial losses due to their inability to participate in cycling tournaments. For nonprofessional riders, injuries can also cause a streak of financial losses through hospital bills and also the inability to attend to their daily duties, especially for those who are running sole proprietor kind of businesses.

However, the good news is that the entire ugly picture painted in the preceding chapter can be erased if the necessary caution is taken by all bike users. The aim of this post is to share with you some of the common injuries that you can incur as you ride and also what you can personally do in order to avoid them because most of these injuries can be prevented. So, to keep yourself safe as you ride your bike to work or for any other purpose, keep on reading this article so that you can have a safe and enjoyable cycling experience every time you get your foot on those pedals.

Common injury number one: Saddle Sores

We are going to start off our list of common injuries with saddle sores. In as much as the saddle is a very important component of your bike, there are very high possibilities that the same component that is intended to enable you ride your bike can cause you injuries.

But what are saddle sores in the first place? Saddle sores are skin disorders that are caused by the friction that results from spending long periods of time on the saddle. Other reasons why you may suffer from saddle sores is riding with shorts that are too old as well as using a saddle that is too high.

Prevention of saddle sores: The good news is that there are simple and sustainable solutions that can keep you free from these sores. The first thing that you need to do in order to prevent saddle sores is ensuring that you ride with pants that are not too old. The reason here is that when your riding pants are too old, they lose the necessary cushion that you need in order to avoid the continuous friction you get exposed to as you cycle. To beat the challenges that come with weakened cycling pants, you can have several pairs of them so that you can use them in cycles. This will ensure that they last longer and hence retain their cushioning power against friction.

The second solution that will enable you to prevent saddle injuries is by ensuring that you lower the height of your saddle so that you don’t encounter too much side-to-side movement of your pelvis due to increased rubbing against the saddle.

Another simple solution that you can engage to prevent saddle sore is applying chamois cream so that to reduce the amount of friction that you encounter as you cycle. This comes in very handy if you are fond of making a lot of movements around the seat as you ride.

Common injury number two: Neck Pain

Neck pain is another common form of injury that many cyclists incur in the process of cycling. This pain entails the tightening of some of the tissues in the upper trapezious muscle. What happens is that these muscles get tired as you ride because of holding your head’s weight in an extended position for a long time. Alternatively, neck pain can come as a result of wrong fitting on the bike and also tenseness of muscles as you cycle. If the saddle and the handlebars of your bike are not fitted well, they will cause unnecessary strain on your upper body parts and muscles leading to neck pains.

Prevention of neck pain: To keep yourself safe from neck pain, you need to take the following into consideration: First of all, you need to loosen your grip on the handles of your bike.The second thing that you need to do is to make sure that you relax your shoulders as you ride so that you cut down on the amount fatigue and hence prevent your trapezious muscles from tightening.

The third thing that you need to put into consideration is making sure that you include your shoulders and neck exercises in your muscles strengthening program so that they don’t get strained during the cycling events.

The fourth thing that you will need to do in order to prevent neck pain is by simply using a kinesiology tape on the lower part of your back. By so doing, you will be helping in the stimulation of the skin, which will in turn lead to the reduction of pain and the promotion of muscle function.

Common injury number three: Broken Clavicle or Scaphoid

This kind of injury takes place when you get involved in a road crash. The injury involves the cracking or breaking of the collarbone and the scaphoid bones. These bones are very weak and they take in pressure and impact when you stretch your hands to support yourself during a crash.

When such an injury is incurred, you need to get immediate medical help and intervention. You need to ensure that as soon as you suffer this kind of injury, you don’t assume that they are too small to be attended to because when you do that, there are very high chances for the supply of blood to the thumbs to be destroyed and which may lead to bigger dangers that may even cause the bone to die.

Prevention: This kind of injury is not easy to prevent because of the unpredictable nature of crashes, there is something that you can do in order to minimize the level of injuries that would have possibly taken place.

First of all, you need to keep holding on to the handlebars of the bike when you are faced with an imminent fall. This will help because when you allow the whole body to suck in the pressure as you fall, it reduces the amount of pressure that would have been exerted on the two bones alone. This will ensure that the two bones do not become the primary center of pressure and shock which can cause them to break or get fractured.

Common injury number four: Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is another common form of injury that is sustained by cyclists. There are several causes of this kind of pain and some of them are explained below as follows: First of all, lower back pain can be caused by spending many hours on the bike in a manner and position that is furious and full of aggression.

The second cause of lower back pain is the exposing of the lumbar area to too much flexing which can also lead to other complications such as the entrapping of the nerves. You also need to know that nervous entrapment can lead to hospitalization.

Prevention: But fortunately, this form of injury can be prevented if the following measures can be taken in advance and in the right manner. You can reduce the amount of time you spend on the bike as much as that is possible and permissible. This will ensure that you don’t get exposed to the possibility of incurring the pains by over flexing your lumbar.

In addition, you can reduce the chances of you getting lower back pain by ensuring that you have moments when you engage in workouts that are intended to strengthen your core especially when you are off your usual busy season. By strengthening your cores, you will be able to improve your ability to ride in better and safer positions for a longer period of time and also be able to achieve better balance and power as you cycle.

Another simple but effective solution that will go a long way in preventing lower back pains is ensuring that your bike is adjusted in order to achieve the most ergonomic cycling position. Areas such as handlebars and saddle position need to be taken into account so that you can ride in a position that is safe and friendly to your body.

Common injury number five: Achilles Tendonitis

Another kind of common injury that cyclists sustain in the process of cycling is Achilles Tendonitis. This kind of injury is a product of inflammation that results from overuse. However, this injury differs from the rupturing of the Achilles tendon in that rupturing of the tendon causes greater pain and it calls for emergency medical intervention.

Aside from the overuse of the tendon, this injury can also be attributed to the poor fitting of the bike. Moreover, it can be caused by positioning the shoe cleats on a manner that is not proper.

Prevention: There are several ways of preventing this kind of injury. The first way of prevention is by taking some time off your training sessions so that you can allow your tendons to relax and recover. This is an effective prevention because the real issue behind the injury is overuse and hence stopping the usage of the tendon for a time comes in handy as a natural remedy.Second, you can prevent this injury by ensuring that you use cold ice to soothe down any kind of inflammation that may be arising from the overuse of this tendon.The third preventive measure that you can take is by using some anti-inflammation remedies such as ibuprofen and its equivalents.

When you resort to this kind of medication, you need to allow it to stay in your body for a good number of days and that means that you need to take it before the inflammation takes place so that it can offer the necessary prevention you need to achieve.

If you suffer from Achilles tendon and you can trace its cause to the improper fitting of your bike, you need to take urgent measures to correct the situation. You will need to lower your saddle and ensure that the cleats are not pushed forward towards your toes so that you can have a balanced use of your muscles as you cycle.

Moreover, you can see to it that you allow your feet to be pointed upwards during the bottom portion of the pedal stroke because by doing so you will be allowing the pressure on the tendon to be eased as well as giving it some time to rest.

Common injury number six: Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is another common injury that many bikers suffer. This injury is blamed on riding a bike that has a saddle that is too low. Another cause of this injury is engaging in a riding session for a longer period of time using high gears. This leads to gluteal muscles being used in the wrong way and consequently the quadriceps muscles are overused, fatigued and the end result is the emergence of tendonitis.

Prevention: There are several simple solutions that you can apply so that you can keep yourself safe from this injury. The first solution that will keep you free from this cycling injury is trying to vary your cycling cadence on your bike’s pedals. By creating such a variation, you will prevent a great deal of injuries in case you are one of those cyclists who ride in higher gears. In addition, a variation of cadence will go a long way in ensuring that your heart system is enhanced for better overall performance as a cyclist.

Another solution that you can apply so that you can keep off the effects of this injury is by ensuring that you raise the height of your saddle. By raising the height of your saddle, you will allow yourself to use more of your gluteal and hamstring. This will ensure that most of the pressure and strain that these muscles get exposed to are reduced and removed from your patella tendon and quadriceps. When you involve your hamstrings and quadriceps, you will be creating room so that you don’t overuse any particular group of muscles and hence they will not be exposed to fatigue.

Lastly, you can prevent this injury by ensuring that you use cycling insoles every time you ride. This simple solution will help a great deal.

Common injury number seven: Numb foot

This is another common injury that will face you as you cycle. This injury is attributed to three main causes and they are listed below as follows: The first cause can be cycling during very chilly weather; the second cause of this injury is using cycling shoes that are too small for you; the third cause of this injury is doing too much of uphill riding. This is because when you ride uphill for too long, you exert a lot of pressure on your foot by pushing it forward.

Prevention: The prevention of this injury is simple, if you observe the following measures: First of all, you need to avoid wearing shoes that are not your size so that you don’t exert a lot of pressure on your foot

The second form of prevention is ensuring that when you are riding uphill, you don’t apply too much pressure around your foot’s ball by not allowing the shoe cleats to lean forward too much.

Another effective way of minimizing the possibilities of incurring this injury is ensuring that you minimize the amount of time you spend on uphill riding adventures unless they are absolutely necessary.

Common injury number eight: Cuts and grazes

As you ride, you will from time to time encounter this form of injury that involves grazes and cuts. This kind of injury has its cause in falling from off the bike.

But what are the possible ways of preventing these cuts and grazes? Below are some suggestions that will go a long way in keeping you safe from this form of injury.

Prevention: Since the injury has its root in falling, you can only prevent it by ensuring that you stay focused and sober as you ride. This will ensure that you don’t fall off from your bike and hence eliminate every possibility of you getting injured in this manner. It is that simple!

Common injury number nine: Head injuries

It is not strange that some cyclists take into the roads without wearing a protective head gear. In the event that an accident has occurred either due to their own negligence or that of other road users, they get injured and they may sustain various injuries on their heads with various degrees of seriousness.

Prevention: To make sure that you don’t sustain head injuries resulting from accidents, you need to protect your head. Make sure that you don’t get to the road without the necessary cycling helmet so that you avoid unnecessary injuries, some of which could be fatal or may have detrimental lifelong effects.

Common injury number ten: Musculoskeletal injuries

Another form of common injury that cyclists sustain in the process of riding is musculoskeletal. Most of the injuries that fall under this category are attributed to accident some of which may be beyond the control of the rider.

Prevention: Even though it is possible that a careful cyclist can get involved in an accident over which they have no control, there are some accidents that can be avoided. First, you can do as much as you need and can so that you avoid any accident that is preventable. That is the only way you can prevent this form of cycling injuries.

Common injury number eleven: Chest injuries

Chest injuries are still a part of common injuries that cyclists sustain due to accidents. As already stated, there are some accidents that can be caused by the negligence of the cyclist, that of other road users or both. But whatever the cause of the accident, a cyclist may sustain injuries such as rib fracturing and lung injuries.

Prevention: To prevent chest injuries resulting from road accidents, you need to play your role in maintaining safe riding all the time. In case you get involved in an accident, make sure that you seek immediate medical attention so that any further damage can be checked through early diagnosis and treatment.

Common injury number twelve: Facial injuries

As we come to the end of our list of common injuries that cyclists sustain, we finish at the last form of injury related to accidents. This, just like the last three injuries explored above, is a product of accidents which we have already seen that they can be traced to human error on the side of a cyclist or another road user. Some of the injuries that fall under this category are contusions, fracture of the face as well as dental fractures.

Prevention: Just like the preceding injuries arising from accidents, facial injuries can be prevented the same way. As a responsible cyclist, make sure you do all that you are required to do by law and moral conscious so as to ensure that your use of the road is safe for you and other road users. Lastly, make sure that you get prompt medical attention so that every facial injury sustained in any form of accident, so that the injuries do not graduate into bigger complications.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/common-injuries/feed/0Golden nuggets to help you use cycling to lose weight safely and effectivelyhttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/golden-nuggets-to-help-you-use-cycling-to-lose-weight-safely-and-effectively-2/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/golden-nuggets-to-help-you-use-cycling-to-lose-weight-safely-and-effectively-2/#respondFri, 26 Aug 2016 22:57:45 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1493Obesity is one of the most dangerous consequences of the irresponsible and reckless lifestyles that this generation has adopted. While there may be a few cases where obesity is a hereditary condition, over 95% of the current cases of obesity are directly related to the recklessness and laziness that are associated with modern lifestyles. At […]

]]>Obesity is one of the most dangerous consequences of the irresponsible and reckless lifestyles that this generation has adopted. While there may be a few cases where obesity is a hereditary condition, over 95% of the current cases of obesity are directly related to the recklessness and laziness that are associated with modern lifestyles.

At the moment, obesity is taking a great toll on the lives of millions of men and women across the world. The consequences of obesity and its related complications cut across different areas of life.

The first area that this menace is devastating is the physical health of the millions of men and women who are affected by it. Millions are suffering from and succumbing to obesity-related heart diseases and other complications. In addition, many more others are suffering from emotional devastations that arise from obesity.

Second, we are witnessing millions of people suffering from low self-esteem due to the effects of obesity. Millions, especially women, are no longer seeing themselves as worthy human beings due to the “round shapes” that obesity has sentenced them to.

Third, we are seeing families and governments spend billions of dollars trying to cure and address obesity-related complications. In the US alone, the government spends more than $ 20 billion every year to deal with obesity and its related complications. On the other hand, individuals are losing billions paying to get back in shape as they try all sorts of “miracle quick-fixes” that have flooded the market but with no real solution insight.

Lastly, marriages are suffering and even breaking due to the inability of couples to perform their bed duties effectively. Many women are being abandoned by their husbands who are not just citing incompetence in bed, but some of them are complaining of having virtually “lost” the once-attractive wives they had.

However, the list should not get longer than this. It is now time to look for a solution to this world-wide threat that is shaking families and societies. The aim of this article is to explore one of the most natural and easiest means of ensuring that you or your loved ones do not become part of the fatality statistics. This simple solution to losing weight is biking.

We are going to examine how you can use biking as one of the proven methods of keeping fit and maintaining your weight within safe limits. In this article, we shall examine how biking can be integrated into your lifestyle menu for weight management. We are going to look at the contribution of biking in the context of other lifestyle habits and not as a miracle stand-alone quick fix. This means that if you neglect the other lifestyle habits that we shall examine, you will not be able to reap the best out of your cycling sessions.

If you follow the steps and integrate all these lifestyle habits into your riding sessions, you will avoid most of the unnecessary mistakes that many people make. You will be better placed to avoid the frustrations that many people get into because you will have real and measurable expectations and hence you will enjoy every energy and effort that you will invest in the entire training program.

Some of the areas that we are going to look at are as follows:Set your weight loss goals;Get the right training gear; Choose how and when to incorporate cycling into your daily schedule; Choose where to train; Understand that biking is not an isolated quick-fix;Get some good breakfast;Dress appropriately;Avoid supplements;Take it slow but steady;Don’t starve yourself while riding;Reduce your junk food step by step;Do the sprint for the last moment; Take good care of your bike; Safety first;Look at other benefits beyond just losing weight;Weigh yourself before breakfast; Don’t eat after 8 pm and; Take a lot of water.

Set your weight loss goals

Before you get out and put your feet on the pedals on that bike as a tool for facilitating weight loss, you need to sit down and set goals. You have to ensure that you set realistic and achievable goals that will motivate you to go through the program. If you don’t have anything that you need to hit, then you are most likely going to hit at nothing.

Make sure that you set goals that are consistent with your needs and also time-bound. For instance, if you need to lose 40 pounds, you cannot goals that will see you lose 10 pounds after the first week. Your goals will become your guideposts so that you can know when and whether you are nearing your overall target or not.

Get the right bike and gear

When you need a bike that will help you in your weight loss program, you need to ensure that you get the right one. It is highly advisable that you buy a good bike from a specialized bike shop. This will give you the opportunity to get the right advice you need regarding the right specs that will serve your weight loss program well. Don’t get tempted to buy a cheap bike from an online vendor who has no specialized understanding of bikes.

When choosing a training bike for such a purpose, you will need to choose a bike that has lighter tires so that you can get greater room for improving on your speed and agility.

Aside just getting the right bike for your training sessions, you need to get the right gear that you will need to use with the bike. You will need to make a good investment in good and comfortable cycling clothes that are easily breathable and also waterproof in case you are caught out by the rain while training. Getting the right kind of clothes will go a long way in ensuring that you enjoy your riding sessions.

Choose how and when to incorporate cycling into your daily schedule

One of the reasons why people are trapped in the web of obesity is that they take in too much into their bodies but they hardly have enough time to exercise. When engaging in the process of weight loss through cycling, you need to factor in the time that you will need to invest in the training program.

Irrespective of whether you are a family person or not, you have a life that makes a demand on your time. You need to decide when you will incorporate your training program into your daily routine. All this will depend on the kind of life that you lead. For instance, you can decide to incorporate the sessions into your daily trips to and from work. If commuting will not fit in your daily schedule, you can fix it after work or even during the weekends.

Whatever the time you will choose, just make sure that you fix the sessions in a manner that does not interfere with your core operations and life responsibilities.

Choose where to train

Another golden nugget that will facilitate a successful weight loss program through biking is choosing the best and the most appropriate venue for training. This dimension of the training will determine and influence other factors in the training mix and that is why you need to make this decision carefully.

When it comes to the venue, you can choose between indoor or outdoor training. All this will depend on other factors such as the kind of schedule that you have. For instance, if you have a tight schedule and you can only get time to train in the night, then you will need to choose an indoor training venue. This will mean that you will need to buy a bike trainer so that you can enjoy your indoor sessions.On the other hand, if you have a more flexible program, you can choose an outdoor training venue.

Still on matters of venue, you can still choose to do the training on your own at home or in a group at the gym. If you are sure that you will not be able to maintain the daily discipline that you need in order to lose weight, you can opt to enroll in a spinning class at the local gym so that you can benefit from group motivation as well as from the external supervision that comes from the gym instructor. This option will mean that you will have to spend more money in order to get that excess weight off but if that is the best way that will work for you, and you are comfortable with the cost implications, go for it.

Understand that biking is not an isolated quick-fix

One of the initial mistakes that you need to avoid as you integrate biking into your weight loss program is to stop seeing biking as a stand-alone and miracle quick fix for all your weight-related issues. You first need to understand that obesity is a complication that develops over time with a few lapses and omissions in lifestyle growing slowly into mountains of health problems.

With the above understanding, you need to look at your bike as a finger on a fist that you are using to box away obesity. This means that if the rest of the fingers are neglected and not engaged properly in the fight against weight, then the battle may as well be lost from the very beginning.

This should be your initial orientation so that you don’t have unrealistic expectations and end up neglecting other important lifestyle habits that are supposed to complement and bolster your biking sessions.

Get some good breakfast

From the previous nugget, we have seen that biking should not be undertaken as an isolated tool, but rather as a finger on a jab that is stretched to fight obesity and enable you to remain fit. One of the most risky mistakes that many people make is to try and take on to the bike early in the morning on a hungry belly so that they can lose weight faster.

But this kind of move can be very counterproductive in the end and it can also abort the entire process. The reason here is simple: Breakfast is the first meal of the day and your body needs it in order to perform all other duties, including cycling.

If you try to cycle on an empty stomach, you will be hurting yourself because you will not have the energy that you need in order to cycle. This is because your body is designed in such a manner that when you deny it food, including breakfast, it will save everything that it needs for some other time in the future and when that time comes, it will make a demand for it.

What is more worrying about this mechanism is that the greater part of what it will be saved during such early morning sessions will be the very same fat that you are trying to burn! Are you seeing that skipping breakfast will only help hide away the very same thing that you want to flush out? So be smart and take the right kind of breakfast that is free from too much fat but just balanced enough to give you the right amounts of energy that you need to hit the road.

Dress appropriately

Another thing that you need to take care of is your dressing code as you race with the aim of managing your weight. Many people,especially those who are not professional cyclists usually assume that for you to lose a lot of weight and in a faster manner, you need to overdress yourself so that you can sweat and hence lose weight faster. But all that is far from the truth because you are not fighting sweat or water in your body.

On the contrary, you are riding to reduce weight, which means you need to focus on what your body needs to lose and not water whose loss has no direct relation with weight or its loss. In fact, when you overdress yourself so that you can sweat more with the aim of losing weight in the process, you are only engaging a reverse gear and below is the reason why.

When you sweat too much, you lose too much fluid in your body. This means that you will be losing the very same body fluids that your body needs to do the following:

Continue cycling so that you can lose the weight that you need to and;

To burn the unnecessary calories that you are riding to remove from your body.

So you can see that in the process of trying to cut down on weight, dressing inappropriately will sweep you off the same feet you need to stand on as you battle weight! Remember and imprint this at the back of your mind: You are not riding to lose water, but to burn calories and cut down on unnecessary weight!

Avoid supplements

Another area that you need to take care of is to guard yourself against the popular and abundant props that are doing rounds all over.This is a very serious temptation that many people fall into thinking that it will help to complement or even speed up the process and effects of weight loss through riding. The truth of the matter is that there is no single supplement that has the ability to help anyone to cut down on weight for more than six months!

All these “miracle” pills and other equivalents such as trimming belts are quick fixes designed by greedy manufacturers to take advantage of desperate people,and especially our women.With over 95% of all obesity cases being linked to lifestyle trends, you cannot tell me(leave alone prove it) that you can fix all that within a few weeks. If you want to achieve and enjoy the fruits of losing weight through biking, you need to integrate it with other lifestyle habits that will complement the process and also sustain the outcomes.

To drive the nail deeper into the coffin of the supplement myth and vanity, it has been proven that these so-called slimming supplements end up flushing out the excess fats from the body as well as the essential fats that your body needs!This means that if you are applying biking as a tool to cut down on weight,you will lose the same fat-based energy that you need to cycle and lose weight. In addition, these supplements are known to flush out essential minerals that your body needs to remain healthy.

The above facts mean that you will end up losing your health in the long-term, and weight for a few weeks or months. So to keep off from such frustration, just avoid all quick-fix props and take longer to cut on weight and enjoy the benefits for long as well.

Take it slow but steady

We have seen that it takes time for weight to develop and become an excessive burden to your body and life. That is why you also need to appreciate the fact that you will need time to fight off excess weight from your life. One of the mistakes that many people make out of desperation is to assume that the new riding program that they have embraced will give them instant results.

Based on the above assumption, many people tend to overdo the riding with the intention of wanting to achieve faster results.But the truth is that for you to get the best results that you will live with and enjoy, you need to take time. If you have not been riding on a regular basis or at all, you will need to start off with fewer sessions. As time moves on, you can move on and increase the number of sessions that you take per week. You will also need to increase the intensity of the riding so that you don’t end up hurting your body and stop the sessions, paving way for the same weight to come back.

As you do all this, you should not expect miracle results, but you need to position yourself to celebrate every milestone achieved. Remember the golden rule that: Anything you overdo, you will undo it and in the process, you may as well end up undoing yourself. So keep it slow, steady and progressive and with time, you will achieve what you need.

Don’t starve yourself while riding

This is another trap that many people fall into in the process of trying to speed up the process and results of losing weight through cycling. You need to understand that as you engage your bike, you need to engage another gear called healthy eating habits. Do not try to engage fasting as a complement to riding unless you want to pray and hence don’t fast and ride!

What happens when you try to fast or engage some other sort of hunger strike is that you are only setting yourself to bigger frustration. The reason is that you will be creating a situation where you will be building with one hand while the other is demolishing. This is because when you deny your body food, that hunger is just suppressed and it is just a matter of time before everything resurges and the body will start demanding everything that it had missed and all that in arrears.

This means that as you get to the road and start biking, you need to carry some healthy snacks so that you can keep eating in between the cycling sessions.The snacks will reduce the amount of hunger that you might have at the time you will be done with your training sessions so that you are not tempted to eat too much, including eating junk food. This habit will keep yourself safe from the temptation of overeating, which is another easy way of regaining the same weight that you are trying to fight.

Reduce your junk food step by step

If you are coming from a background of addiction to some sort, weigh-adding junk food and drinks, you need to pay closer attention to this section.Failure to heed the words of this section may make you end up in the same situation that we have described above; where you build with one hand while the other hand is tearing down.

For those who want to cut down on junk food and drinks, you need to take the slow but steady path. No matter how bad you want to lose weight using your bike, you need to ensure that you eliminate all junk foods from your life slowly but steadily.

The reason why you need to take the slow path is that any attempt to suddenly stop the junk will result to accumulated and suppressed craving for the same foods and drinks. This will mean that in the process of time, you will find yourself being overwhelmed by all that craving leading you to go back to them with “revenge” because you had missed them for too long. So to ensure that you bolster your riding sessions with healthy eating habits, try to integrate them slowly because the eating disorders that you are battling took many years to form and hence you will need some time and patience to undo them.

Do the sprint for the last moment

To this far, it is unnecessary to delve into the importance of details of burning of fats through cycling. But this section will address some dimension of this process. Every time you are riding, you need to make sure that you preserve your best energy for the last moments of the exercise.

The reason here is that the faster and more rigorous use you ride, the more energy you will release in order to burn more fats. That is why you need to pull out your best energy reserves towards the end of your training so that the process of burning fat can go on even after you are done with the riding sessions. This will ensure that you burn more fats after you are through with training than you would have done if you finished your training on a slower and less rigorous note.

Take good care of your bike

As you train to lose weight, you need to take care of your training bike the same way you take care of yourself. You need to make sure that you maintain your bike in its best functional state so that it can serve you better. By maintaining your bike properly, you will be taking care of your own safety as you ride on the roads.

You will need to see to it that you take your bike for regular routine maintenance so that you can be sure of working with a safe machine. Ensure that the chain system is working properly and also you need to pay special attention to the braking system of the bike to ensure that it is reliable every time you are on the road.

Safety first

Building upon the previous nugget, you need make sure that you pay attention to all the other safety requirements as you take to the road. First, you need to carry a basic tool kit and at least one spare inner tube if you are going to train away from home. Second, you need to make sure that you don yourself in the right kind of approved helmet so that you can keep yourself safe in the face of an accident.

Other safety measures that you need to take while on the road are wearing bright clothes that are visible in the dark or bad weather. Lastly, you need to make sure that you keep your bike’s lights on during the night so that you can remain visible.

Look at the other benefits beyond just losing weight

Another nugget that will help you in the process of weight loss through biking is by looking at the other benefits of biking that come in as a cluster. It is true that conquering weight is not an easy task and it can be daunting. At times you will wake up and you still find yourself staring at the same tummy that you are trying to scale down and flatten.

One of the best ways to stay motivated even as you wait to see the weight disappear is to look at the other benefits that accompany the training. For example, as you begin to train, you will notice that your muscles will begin to grow strong and firm. This needs to serve as a motivator because you will need strong muscles to keep riding until you have scaled down the mountain of weight.

Weigh yourself before breakfast

This is another good way of keeping you motivated during this uphill task of losing weight. When you realize that one particular morning that you have shed off a few pounds, you will get the morale to continue with the program, all the way to the finish line.

Don’t eat after 8 pm

You need to make adjustments not just regarding what you eat, but also when to eat. Make sure that you don’t take food after 8 pm, the reason being that if you do, your body will begin to work on that food and convert it into the very thing that you are trying to eliminate and that is fat.

Drink a lot of water

The last nugget that you will need to pay attention to as you use biking as a tool to fight off weight is that you need to take in a lot of plain water. Water is very important in this process because it helps in the weight loss program by reducing your craving for food. If you are not a big fan of water, you need to avoid substitutes such as diet soda because it makes you feel hungry and want to eat more and more. The only other safe substitute for water that is proven and that I can recommend is one: water! Now grab a bike and put your feet on the pedals. If you don’t have one you can find some tips and guidelines on how to buy a bike in this article.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/golden-nuggets-to-help-you-use-cycling-to-lose-weight-safely-and-effectively-2/feed/0The Ultimate Guide to buying a Bikehttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-a-bike/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-a-bike/#respondSat, 06 Aug 2016 21:42:17 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1452The search for a new bike entails a great deal of decision making, irrespective of whether you are a first-time buyer or not. In addition, the factors that you will need to put into consideration have a universal application for different types of bikes designed for different purposes. But what does it really take to […]

]]>The search for a new bike entails a great deal of decision making, irrespective of whether you are a first-time buyer or not. In addition, the factors that you will need to put into consideration have a universal application for different types of bikes designed for different purposes.

But what does it really take to buy the right kind of bike that will suit and meet your biking needs? This buying guide seeks to give you answers to this pertinent question so that when you walk down to that bike shop for the first or second time, you will be able to walk out with the right bike that you will be proud of. The guide will give you a comprehensive coverage of these answers so that you can avoid some of the mistakes that first-time buyers make or the ones that you made in your previous purchase or purchases.

As this buying guide unfolds, we are going to examine the following key pillars that constitute a right purchasing decision. Some of the areas that we are going to examine are as follows: Setting your goals right and defining your needs; Types of bikes available; Setting the budget; Testing the bike; Settle for the best bike shop; Maintenance of the bike; Bike Accessories; Look for reviews and other testimonials; Get the right size; Explore the alternatives; Balancing between brand and model; Gender matters also matter; Wrapping it up

Setting your goals right and defining your needs

Before you begin the search for a bike, you need to establish exactly what you need the bike for. You need to take your time and analyze your biking needs without any margin of error or assumption. If you need a bike for commuting around town, sporting or lifestyle purposes, you have to state and make it clear in your mind.

But why is it important to determine your biking needs? Why is it necessary for you to assess and define your needs? Listed below are some of the reasons for coming up with clearly defined biking goals:

It will determine the price of the bike: Different bikes come at different prices. For example, if you need a bike for the sole purpose of moving from point A to point B you may not need to go for a bike that will cost you thousands of dollars. On the contrary, a simple bike worth a few hundreds of dollars will be suitable for you.However, if you need a bike that will enable you compete in a championship and win it, you will need a bike that will cost you several thousands of dollars. The same will apply if you were going for a fitness bike that you will use in a training gym because you will also need to cough more money than a person seeking a simple mobility tool for commuting around town and doing some simple household shopping.

It will determine the features of the bike: Another reason why it is important to clearly determine your biking goals and needs is that it will help you understand the features that you will need the bike to have. This is because the ability of a bike to fulfill a particular kind of task is dependent on and enabled by the kind of features that the bike will have.For instance, if you need a bike to win a championship, you will need to go for features such as a higher number of gears because speed is paramount and a priority for a racing bike. In addition, different features are available on different types of bikes and this leads us to the following point below: the type of bike that you will need to buy.For a person seeking to get a bike designed for versatile domestic and personal needs, they may need to buy a versatile bike that has a rack to store their stuff, fenders and a bike that is fitted with wider tires as opposed to racing bikes which need to have thinner tires.

It determines the types of bike that you will buy: When you clearly define and determine your biking needs and objectives, you will be better placed to know the best type of bike that will meet those needs. For instance, if you want to become a super cyclist, you will definitely go for a good quality road bike. If on the other hand you need to get a machine that will enable you to ride for leisurely purposes, then you will definitely go for a comfort bike.On the other hand, if you need a bike that will enable you to go for trips that will involve you boarding a train or a boat to cross over to the other side, you will definitely need a folding bike. This will make it easy and convenient for you to pack the bike and comfortably move with it.

Types of bikes available

Another core factor that you need to put at the back of your mind as you go shopping for a new bike is the availability of different types of bikes. This is because different bike types are designed for different purposes and they have different features that are intended to perform their varied and even specialized purposes. These different types of bikes are also designed with different users in mind; for instance kids and women. That is why this section is devoted to the unfolding and exploration of the different types of bikes available in the market so that you can land on the best type that will effectively meet your biking needs.

Under this section, we shall examine the main types of bikes in the context of their different advantages and disadvantages. Some of the common types are discussed further below as follows:

Road Bikes: Let us start off on the road and cover road bikes. Road bikes are designed for people and users who are interested in engaging in long mileage biking activities such as touring that may take a couple of days. This is because these bikes are designed with a light frame and they also have a narrow seat and drop handlebars that allow the user to bend easily and also thin tires.In addition, road bikes are divided into smaller categories. For instance, we have a performance type of road bikes that are slightly different from the conventional road bikes in the sense that they have a shorter top tube and longer head tube that make it possible for one to ride in a more upright position. Another category under the road bike family is the cross bike. This kind of road bike is fitted with wider tires that are suitable for off-road riding.

The pros of road bikes: They are best suited for die-hard cyclists because they have drop handlebars that allow a rider to sit in a bending position.

The cons of road bikes: Even though these bikes are designed to give the rider a bending position while riding, some riders may not be comfortable with the low bend that the bike provides.

Mountain Bikes: From the roads we take off to the mountains and examine mountain bikes. These kinds of bikes are designed and intended to give the rider the ability to stand up to rugged trails. This is because of the way the bikes are designed with shock-absorbing front suspension fork and a rear suspension. These two features ensure that the rider enjoys great comfort and control over the bike as they ride though rough and rugged terrains. In addition, the bikes are fitted with a wider saddle, flat handlebars and wider tires that are intended to withstand the ruggedness of mountain terrains.

The pros of mountain bikes: The first admirable advantage of this kind of bike is that it is more durable than the other types of bikes. Second, mountain bikes have a very strong shock-absorbing ability. Third, mountain bikes are well adapted for handling most off-road terrains, better than the other types of bikes.

The cons of mountain bikes: The first con of these bikes is that they are a bit heavier compared to their road and fitness counterparts. In addition, mountain bikes are not the best choice to use for road riding.

Comfort bikes: These types of bikes are best suited for leisure, riding on smooth paths and pavements and they are the best option to use for recreation purposes. They are designed with high handlebars, a wider and soft seat, and they also have shock absorbers in the fork or/and saddle.

The pros of comfort bikes: They offer the ride the comfort of sitting upright and they also have a smaller number of gears that allow the rider to pedal even when climbing hilly surfaces. Lastly, they cost lesser than the other types of bikes that we have covered above.

The cons of comfort bikes: They are not the best machines to use during off-road cycling because of their wider tires. In addition, they may force you to engage in some sort of hard pedaling when dealing with hilly terrains.

Fitness bikes: These types of bikes are the best bet for users who would like to have a machine that will help them shed off some unnecessary calories. In addition, fitness bikes are a good starting point for those who may need something to enable them to commute around town. These bikes are fitted with slimmer tires and they have a narrow saddle and they have a light frame compared to comfort bikes.

The pros of fitness bikes: These bikes offer a greater level of comfort than road bikes. In addition, they are a bit heavier and cheaper than road bikes and they can be a very good choice for daily commuting.

The cons of fitness bikes: The only disadvantage of these bikes when they are compared to road bikes is that they are less aerodynamic.

Hybrid bikes: This is another class of bikes that is a combination of the strengths of the different types that we have covered above. These bikes are designed to allow riders to enjoy an upright position instead of leaning forward the way they would have done on a mountain or road bike.

The pros of hybrid bikes: They have slimmer tires and larger wheels that allow them to move faster while demanding very minimal effort from the rider. In addition, these bikes are a bit lighter compared to their comfort counterparts and that is why they are gaining more popularity. In addition, they are comfortable for use by new cyclists who are used to bend-over riding position not to mention that they cost lesser.

The cons of hybrid bikes: The main disadvantage of these bikes is that they are not best suited for long-distance riding because they become less comfortable.Moreover, they are heavier and some of them may have deficient frames.

Setting the budget

Another factor that you need to indelibly imprint at the back of your mind is the budget of the bike that you need. The kind of budget that you will set will be determined by a number of factors such as:

The type of bike that you need to buy: Different types of bikes will cost differently. For instance, a high quality sporting bike will definitely cost you more than a simple comfort bike

The features of the bike: This will cut across all the types and subcategories of the bike. The better and more advanced the features the bike will have, the better riding experience it will give you and this will require you to pay more for it. For instance, a bike that has 21 gears will obviously cost you more than a bike that is fitted with 7 gears.

The purpose of the bike: Another factor that will greatly influence your budget is the purpose of the bike. For instance, if you are seeking a simple bike that will be moving you from one part of town to another, you can compromise on a few issues here and there so as to make everything fit into your budget limits. But if you are looking for a sporting bike that will enable you win a championship, there are issues that you cannot trade off so that you can maintain your budget limits.

However, the matter of budget should also be handled with other considerations that transcend just how much or how less the bike will cost. You need to strike a very delicate balance between a bike that will suit and effectively meet your needs, and one that fits well within your budget. In fact, a good bike budget should be designed to fit in your biking needs and not vice versa.

As a bike purchaser, you need to ensure that you get the right bike and not necessarily a cheap one. It is advisable that you do your best to keep off cheap bikes unless you need a simple bike for simple causal purposes.

Cheap bikes are the ones that usually retail below the $200 mark and in most cases they come unassembled. Many of them (but not all) come in a single size and they are made from cheaper materials and they are targeted at the mass market. They usually fall behind those bikes that are assembled in shops because the latter are assembled with professional hands and they are accompanied with expert service and counsel.

As much as possible, you can be patient enough to wait and raise at least $300 and more. This will ensure that you get a bike that has better quality because such a bike will be lighter and better compared to the cheaper ones. The bottom line in budgeting is simple: Create a balance between what you can afford at the moment and how well the bike will serve your needs for a reasonably long period of time.

Testing the bike

As you go out in search of a good bike to meet your biking needs, you should not forget the testing part of the process. This is because the testing will bring to your attention the possibility of any defect and deficiency in any of its main functionalities and features. You need to ensure that the testing is long enough to allow you to spot all the possible defects. The benefits of a good test ride are listed below as follows:

You will be able to know how low the gears of the bike can go while tackling hilly terrains

The test will enable you to know how well and easy the shifters and brakes of the bike work

The test will enable you to know how stable the frame of the bike is

Thorough testing will enable you to know how comfortable it is to use the bike

The testing will help you to know how smooth the suspension system works when you are riding upon bumpy surfaces

Testing will enable you to detect any defect in all the areas listed above and hence save you the hassle of having to return the bike to the shop

The testing will enable you to know how well the bike matches your body size

To perform a good testing, you need to always remember the golden rule that goes: If you have not tested it, don’t trust it!

Settle for the best bike shop

Even though there is no statutory provision that compels you to buy a bike from a specialist bike shop, it is strongly advisable that you buy a bike from a reputable bike shop. As much as possible, you need to avoid general stores such as supermarkets and other outlets.

The reason is that they don’t have any specialized knowledge about bikes and they can’t offer you any expert advice and service. In fact, many of them are very good dumping grounds for cheap bikes that end up being costly in the long-term. Some of the advantages of identifying a specialist bike shop for your purchase are:

You get specialized advice

You get specialized service and attention

You get the opportunity to test the bike properly as highlighted in the testing section of this article

You will get bikes that are professionally assembled as opposed to online shops that sell you bikes that you have not tested to establish how well the bikes match your body

In some specialized shops, you may get the benefit of swapping some bike parts that you are not comfortable with at a very negligible cost or even for free

A specialized bike shop will allow you to get immediate answers to your questions

But how do you know a good bike shop? You will need to look at the following qualities: the friendliness of their floor and customer support staff; a shop that stock bikes that are designed for different users such as beginners, professional cyclists, kids, women and many others and; the ability and willingness of the shop to offer you post-purchase services such as checkup within the first month and also establish a long-term relationship with its customers.

Maintenance of the bike

Before buying the bike, you need to understand that you will need to maintain the bike. You need to factor in the ease of maintaining the bike after buying it.You also need to consider what it will cost you to maintain that bike and whether the parts that you will need to maintain the bike are available and also affordable.

If you fail to do all the above, you may end up with a bike that will give you unnecessary headaches trying to maintain it. This is usually very common with low quality bikes that are “doing rounds” on online outlets where you end up spending more on the maintenance of the bike than the initial amount you spent to buy it.

Bike Accessories

As you buy your next bike, you need to consider the availability or inclusion of accessories that may come with the bike so as to improve your user experience. Some of the accessories that you need to consider are:

Gloves to help absorb vibration

Glasses to keep your eyes safe from hot sun rays and also other flying particles

Cycling shoes with cleats to help you peddle more efficiently even though some of these shoes may require you to modify or replace your pedals

Look for reviews and other testimonials

User reviews and testimonials will help you get a clear bearing regarding the quality of the bike you have in mind. They can also save you the hassle of buying a poor quality bike that will give you headaches in the future.

Get the right size

Size is another consideration you need to have in your buying mix. That is why it is very necessary for you to buy a bike from a specialized bike store so that you can test the frame to ensure that it fits your body size. Make sure that you get the right size so that it is not too big or too small because the two extremes will be equally dangerous and they will also make riding uncomfortable.

Explore the alternatives

Well, I said earlier on that there is no statutory provision that compels someone to buy a bike from a specialized bike shop, even though bike shops are strongly recommended. But depending on the kind of bike that you need and the purpose for which you need it, you can explore other sources especially when you have a tight budget.

Some of the alternatives that you can resort to are: second-hand bikes from reliable users; and online stores. It is highly recommended that before you buy a second-hand bike you take it to a bike shop so that it can be checked professionally. This will save you the possible hassles of someone dumping on you a faulty machine that will give you headaches in the future.

Balancing between brand and model

Brand name is good, but you should judge and make your personal decision based on the kind and quality of model at hand and not just on the name. I have personally reviewed both good and equally bogus bikes from the same manufacturer and hence a good brand does not warrant a blind and blanket endorsement of every product that the manufacturer launches into the market. In short, you need to get your favorite brand name, and then look at that particular bike model on offer to make the final decision based on that,and not just the name.

Listed below are some of the most common brand names that rule the world of modern biking: Schwinn, Fuji from Japan, Cannondale from the US, Giant from Taiwan, Klein in in the US, Jamis from the US, Mongoose, Lemond from the US, Specialized from the US, Releigh in the US, and Trek from the US. All these world-renowned manufacturers offer different types of bikes that range from a few hundreds to several thousands of dollars. You can make the best comparison from what they have to offer, but at the end of the comparison, buy a bike that will suit your needs at your every level, and not just a brand.

Gender matters also matter

In your buying mix, you also need to factor gender differences and uniqueness. This is because the two genders are unique in the way they make their choices when it comes to purchasing. It is true that we have standard bikes that are built to accommodate the needs of both men and women.

However, a closer look at all the standard bikes proves clearly that most of them are built with a male orientation and thinking. This means that the male sex is more likely to accept them without any further need for modification with regard to how they look like or function. They are not built with features such as levers that can be easily reached easily by shorter or smaller hands.

That is why it is important for you to consider the gender of the user or your gender for that matter before you decide to settle for a particular model in the market. But with the modern trends in biking, most of the manufacturers are now building gender-specific bikes. We now have bikes that are suited and customized for female users.

Wrapping it up

Buying a new bike should be a moment of fun and serious reflection as well. In order for you to get the right bike, you need to assess and define your current biking needs. Your needs at the moment you are making the decision and your needs in the near future need to be balanced so that you can buy a bike that will serve you for a reasonably long time.

Another factor that you need to put into consideration is the budget that you have at hand. This will determine and influence other factors such as the kind of bike you will get and even the sourcing of the bike.

As you make the decision, you need to do it with the awareness that there are plenty of options in the market and they come at different prices while offering different levels of user satisfaction and experience. In addition, you need to factor in the size of the user in relation to the bike. Remember that their gender will also play a role in determining the appearance and features of the bike.

After you have put all the above factors that we have discussed in their proper perspective, you can be sure of getting a bicycle that will serve you better and for longer. Otherwise, you now have all the necessary guidelines that will enable you to make a smarter and more advantageous decision worth your money next time you go shopping for a new bike.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-a-bike/feed/0What is a Spin Bike and why should you use it?http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-is-a-spin-bike-and-why-should-you-use-it/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-is-a-spin-bike-and-why-should-you-use-it/#respondMon, 20 Jun 2016 22:18:14 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1364What is a spin bike? A spin bike is simply an indoor bike that is designed to enable users to do workouts in a stationary position without having to go outdoors. This type of training bike is known for its intense workouts compared to the other types of training bikes we have in the market […]

A spin bike is simply an indoor bike that is designed to enable users to do workouts in a stationary position without having to go outdoors. This type of training bike is known for its intense workouts compared to the other types of training bikes we have in the market today.

Since their invention in the 1980’s , these bikes have continued to gain popularity, especially due to the endorsement of health and fitness professionals. The bike is made up of a flywheel that continues spinning even after the user has stopped riding and thus it calls for extra caution among users when they need to stop spinning so that they don’t get injured.

As time has continued to advance, these bikes have become an excellent option for many fitness lovers across the world. This is because the bikes have trainers the ability to go on with their workout programs throughout the year without regard to which season of the year one is in. In addition, these bikes are designed to give the user the same riding experience that they would have gotten while riding from outdoors.

The spin bikes are enhanced with many adjustable features that enable you to make adjustments that are intended to meet your individual needs and training goals. For example, the seat position and the handlebars can be adjusted to suit the height and the needs of different users. The bikes are also fitted with an adjustable resistance features that enable you to set the level of resistance you need during your workouts.

The Difference between spin bikes and other exercise bikes

Even though a spin bike is essentially a training bike like the others, there are a few differences that distinguish it from the normal training bike in the gym. This section examines some of these differences.

A higher level of intensity: the first functional difference between this bike and its counterparts is that it offers high levels of intensity compared to what you will experience with a normal training bike on the gym.

A front flywheel: the existence of a front flywheel is the main physical difference between the spin bike and the other regular training bikes. This wheel is usually made of steel and it weighs between 38 and 44 pounds.

Cleat features: anther difference between this bike and other training bikes is that one of its pedals has a cleat where you can connect a special bike shoe to the pedal.

Features of spin bikes

This section is devoted to the examination of some of the features that modern spin bikes come with. It is necessary for us to understand these features so that you can be in a better position to know what kind of benefits and functionalities that you will expect from the bike.

The reason here is that the features of a product are the ones which enable it to perform specific functions that are intended to give the user a better experience and benefit from the product. Some of these features are discussed below in line with the benefits that they confer with users.

Ease of modification: this is one of the core features that make this bike very convenient to use. This is because the bike comes with a seat position, handlebars and seat height that can be adjusted to suit your needs and height. This makes it suitable to use by users of different heights. In addition, the bike comes with a resistance feature that can be adjusted to bring resistance to the level that the user is comfortable with.

Computerized mechanism: most of the spin bikes in the market today come with computerized systems. These systems can be used to measure the mileage you gave covered, your pulse, the level of resistance and revolutions per minute

Refreshment holder: another feature of this bike is that it comes with a place to hold your water bottle. This keeps your refreshment within reach as you do your workouts.

Transport wheels: most of these spin bikes are fitted with small transport wheels that enable you to pull around the bike easily. This is very advantageous for people who have limited floor space.

A spinning bike is good for you if you……

This section is dedicated to give you a comprehensive coverage that will show you the most suitable for this bike. At the end of this section, you will be able to know whether you are a qualified beneficiary of this bike or you need another type of exercise bike or not.

Want to burn calories: if you are tired of carrying unnecessary calories in your body that may turn out to be injurious to your cardiac health, then this bike is the perfect match for you. This spin bike is known to provide high levels of calorie burning. For instance, you can burn up to 500 calories within one hour, all this depending on your body weight and how intense the workouts are.

Want to enhance your cardiovascular health: your heart health, is of supreme value. When you use this bike consistently, you are able to pull out all the energies from their reserves and end up building the level of endurance you need for your heart muscles. As you progress on the bike, you come to a level where you are able to master the art of controlled breathing.

Want to have your own pace of progress: if you are taking your workouts in a class of other people, your progress will be of great value for you. This bike gives you the freedom to keep pedaling at your own pace without having to be concerned about the speeds at which your classmates are pedaling. This enables you to remain in charge of your own progress without having to compare yourself to others.

Manage your personal progress: if you are a person who wants to monitor your personal progress as you perform, your workouts, then this bike is meant for you. Most of the spin bikes that we have in the market today come with gadgets that can help you to track how many calories that you have burnt, the amount of distance you have covered and your pulses as well. This gives you a clear picture of what you are doing and the milestones you have covered along the way.

Want to enjoy the workouts without high impact: most of the people who use other weight loss equipment such as treadmills and elliptical, usually complain of experiencing traumatic effects on their feet and knees. But this is not one of the side effects that you will suffer after working out on a spin bike. The reason here is that the spin bike removes the pressure from your feet and knees and hence you can enjoy your workouts without hurting your feet or knees.

Want to tone their muscles: if you are a fitness enthusiast who wants to tone their muscles, the spin bike is your favorite tool to achieve this goal. When you do the spinning, the process focuses on the main muscles of the body such as thighs, buttocks, calf muscles and abdominal muscles. For instance, when you are pedaling, you use your calf and thigh muscles while when you maintain the right position on the bike, your abdominal muscles are exercised.

Want to enjoy the company of others: if you are a fitness lover who doesn’t want to keep everything for himself, but you would rather share with others, then the spin bike is the right tool for you. Besides exposing you to great mental and physical benefits and experiences, the bike exposes you to a group of other fitness lovers. Here, you can share your experiences and challenges and get the opportunity to encourage and learn from one another.

This kind of environment ensures that you have a pillar of support to lean on just in case you were contemplating to quit. By looking at those who are ahead of you, you get the morale to keep going. Likewise, it is very easy to remain focused when you discover that there is someone who is below you and they admire your level of achievement. Having someone looking up to you, will always keep you going even in the face of challenges.

Want to attain mental stamina: if you are looking to engage in workouts that are not just going to sharpen you physically, then the spin bike is the best you. As you exert your mind to go through the uphill and downhill trends of the bike, you develop the right attitude towards life. This is because you exert mental strength and stamina before you can take on the uphill and downhill workouts. This kind of training becomes sufficient “capital” that can be invested in other areas of life so that you can be ready to face the ups and downs of life with the right attitude.

Want to increase their energy levels: if you want to increase your energy levels, you need to get a spin bike as a tool of achieving this noble goal. This is because studies have shown that spinning is able to boost the energy levels of those who participate in it by up to 20%. In addition, the studies found out that those who spin on these bikes had a 65% drop in their levels of fatigue owing to the releasing of dopamine in the brain.

Want to reduce their stress levels: the spin bike provides you an avenue to reduce your stress levels because it offers a greater level of intensity than other exercise bikes. In addition, since these spinning exercises are done in a social setting, they provide the participants the opportunity to interact with others, thus lowering the amount of stress that you may be facing. Another reason why spinning classes are a good opportunity to relieve stress is that they are punctuated by soothing music, which is universally known to be a natural form of stress reduction.

Want to train around the year: if you don’t want to be distracted in your workouts due to bad weather such as winter, then you definitely need a spin bike.

Want lower levels of injury risk: if you are in need of a training tool that offers a very minimal level of injury risk, then you need to go for a spinning bike. The only caution that you need to take is to ensure that you undergo some little stretching before you start your workouts so that you don’t suffer from muscles pull.

Want adjustable tempo: with a spin bike, you are bound to enjoy the benefits of adjustable tempos as you train because it is fitted with adjustable tensions. This gives you the freedom to do the adjustment according to your ability and your fitness objectives.

Who should not use a spin bike?

After taking a comprehensive coverage of who should use this bike, it is also necessary to look at who should not use it. This is because even though it is a good bike, it is not good and meant for everyone. That is why the list below shows us the kind of people who should be exempted from its use:

Beginners: this bike is a wrong choice for a beginner. The reason here is that it offers high intensity workouts and it will be challenging for a starter to begin at the top. This means that a beginner needs to use other types of training bikes before they can advance to a spin bike.

Those suffering from body and knee pains: if you are suffering from any kind of body or joint pain, you need to use another kind of exercise bike until you recover.

Those who are physically unfit: the last group of people who are not eligible to use a spin bike is those who are physically unfit. They will be required to use a normal exercise bike until after they have recovered and have been declared fit by their doctors to use this bike.Click here to see some spin bike reviews.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/what-is-a-spin-bike-and-why-should-you-use-it/feed/0Tips on how to dress up and pack for Cyclinghttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/tips-on-how-to-dress-up-and-pack-for-cycling/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/tips-on-how-to-dress-up-and-pack-for-cycling/#respondTue, 12 Apr 2016 21:58:58 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=1166Cycling events, just like all other competitive events, require and demand that you prepare for them in advance and adequately. This is because the level and quality of your preparedness will go a long way in ensuring that you weather through the challenges that you will face and also the level of competition that you […]

]]>Cycling events, just like all other competitive events, require and demand that you prepare for them in advance and adequately. This is because the level and quality of your preparedness will go a long way in ensuring that you weather through the challenges that you will face and also the level of competition that you will encounter during a cycling event. The bottom, line of this is simple: you either prepare for the event or you will despair during and after the event. The preparations that we are going to discuss in this post are going to bolster your ability to face the following types of challenges: human challenges from your fellow and competing cyclists and; environmental and weather challenges that you will encounter during the cycling event.

Having said all the above, it is important for us to look at some of the ways through which you need to prepare. In this post, we shall examine two main areas of preparation for the real big day. These two forms of preparation will be a great complement for all the training sessions that you have been undergoing for during the months that have passed. The first form of preparation will revolve around your dressing for the big day while the second form of preparation will involve the packing of the necessary personal effects that you will need during and after the cycling.

Under the dressing category, we shall look at the following key dressing components that you will require during the event and they are listed below as follows: the helmet; socks; leg warmers; knicks; arm warmers; cape; sunglasses; shoes and jersey.

Under the second category, we shall examine some of the personal effects that you will need to pack for your use and they are highlighted below as follows: cotton scarf; entertainment; bag balm; rain gear; extra footwear and; U-lock.

1.The dressing code

The helmet

In this list we start from head down by examining the most important head gear that will protect you during the cycling event. This is important because during cycling accidents do happen and they can happen to anyone including you. With a proper gear in place, you are actually taking the first protective measure that you need while cycling. However, there are a few considerations to take to heart while selecting a good helmet for a professional cycling event.

First of all, you need to don the helmet the right way so that you can enjoy maximum protection. By this I mean that you need to don the helmet over the forehead, 2 cm above your eyebrows without tilting it backwards.

Second, you need to ensure that you don a helmet that is in its optimal functioning condition. You need to ensure that the helmet is at least three years old and below. This will go a long way in bolstering your protection compared to wearing a tired and retired helmet that may expose you to unnecessary head injuries in the event of an accident.

Socks

From the head we go all the way down to the feet and take a look at the kind of professional socks that you need to don during a major cycling competition. For a professional look and efficiency, you need to wear socks that are specifically designed for cycling and make sure that the pair of socks that you are wearing is clean. Moreover, you need to wear socks that are not low cut and the color needs to be just right and by right I mean the socks should be colored white. You need to dress in a manner that will not just enhance your efficiency but also boost your professional image as a cyclist.

In addition, you need to ensure that as much as possible, you wear a new pair of socks for every cycling event. The socks should be at least 12 cm high and anything below or above that height should be ignored.

Leg warmers

Although leg warmers are not a statutory requirement for a professional cyclist, they come in handy as a solution for cyclist when the temperatures are very low.

However, they should be donned in a manner that produces a perfect match with the knicks that you will be donning. This too will go a long way in bolstering and projecting your professional outlook on the road.

Knicks

Your knicks on that big day are also an important part of your dressing code and you should treat them with the seriousness that they deserve. You need to make sure that you wear knicks that have a bib so as to bolster your professional image. In addition, you will need to avoid wearing knicks that have a plain black color. Make sure that you choose a color that is professionally esthetic and appealing in order to enhance your visibility during the competition.

Arm warmers

Arm warmers are another important piece of your cycling dressing code and it should be handled with the gravity that it deserves. You need to ensure that your arm warmers are fitting properly and when you do this, you paint a great professional picture of yourself that you are a cyclist who values and delights in professional layering principles.

In addition to the above, you need to ensure that the arm warmers are creating a symmetrical and esthetic balance with the jersey that you are donning. The length of the arm warmers should also be just right; but just in case you are not very much sure of the length of the arm warmers, it is better for you to have shorter arm warmers instead of long ones.

Cap

The cap is another essential part of the dressing code you will need during the cycling event. You need to ensure that you wear the cap facing forward and not backwards as if you were are out for a stroll in the streets during sunset in summer. You also need to understand that the cap needs to be donned in the company of arm warmers. This means that the prevailing weather conditions in that particular area and at that moment to determine the suitability of the cap. In addition, you need to select a cycling cap that is made by a reputable manufacturer.

Sunglasses

The kind of sunglasses that you bed for this event needs to be professional. For instance, you need to avoid every form of sunglasses that have a wire frame and are designed for causal adventures or escapades. You need to make sure that you go for suitable sunglasses that are design for professional cyclists and also ensure that you use the best brands in the market. At this point, you need to remember that you are not just dressing for professional competence but also image and hence your sunglasses must balance between the two interests.

Cycling shoes

As a professional cyclist, the dressing is not complete without donning in the right shoes that are designed for that purpose. This means that you need to wear the right kind of shoes for the right biking event. For instance, you don’t need to wear mountain bike shoes and yet you are participating in a road race within the city. Additionally, the color of the shoes needs to reflect a professional image and this means that you need to wear white shoes.

The jersey

The jersey that you need to wear for the big event is also another important part of your dressing code that you need to approach with utmost consideration and care. You need to wear a jersey that has a full zip. In addition, the jersey’s color needs to reflect a professional image and hence you need to avoid colors such as pink, green yellow and the like. Moreover, you need to wear long a sleeved jersey unless you have been advised otherwise by your doctor!

2. Things to pack for your cycling event

In the preceding paragraphs, we have taken a comprehensive look at the dressing code that you need to don in order to maintain a professional image and also attain professional efficiency on the road. It is now time that we move on to the second part of our discussion and have a thorough look at the things that you need to pack for the big cycling event ahead of you. These personal effects will ensure that during and after your cycling event, you will not get inconvenienced in any way. Keep on reading below to get a clearer and deeper insight into this section.

Cotton scarf

The first item that we are going to examine in this section is the cotton scarf. Any professional cyclist who has been on the road for more than two years and has cycled in different climatic zones during different seasons knows too well the importance of this little piece of cloth. The cotton scarf comes in handy during cold weather because it can be used to provide a light head covering. In addition, the scarf can be used to cover your mouth and nose during dusty moments, not to mention that when it is raining, the scarf can also be used to wipe the bike.

Entertainment

You don’t need to make a drudgery of your cycling day out. You need to ensure that the moments you will not be riding are punctuated with some beautiful form of entertainment that will sooth and psyche you up for the remaining stages ahead. You can carry your music player in order to listen to cool music or you can decide to carry your favorite book in order to read as you relax. Additionally, you can carry a fishing rod and reel if you will be cycling through areas that are rich in rivers and other fish-laden water bodies. Whatever form of entertainment you elect to carry, just make sure that you pack something that will keep you refreshed during the journey.

Balm

All forms of long cycling events will exert some form of pressure on different parts of your body. For instance, spending a long period of time the saddle will definitely strain your body and hence you need to carry the right kind of soothing balm so that you can be able to get relief from the sores you will incur during cycling. You will need to apply this balm on all the affected areas so that you can minimize the effects of the sores incurred from the saddle.

Rain gear

Packing a rain gear is not just going to protect you against the inconveniences of weather elements. On the contrary, it will also ensure that you are safe from all manner of illnesses that may follow after being beaten by the rain. You need to make sure that you carry the gear even if it ends up not raining. This puts you in a better position than assuming that it won’t rain, and then end up getting caught in the rains.You can only use your guesswork if you are riding through Sahara or Tundra desert.

Extra footwear

Extra footwear is another key item that you need to pack for your long distance cycling event. You will need to carry another set of footwear so that you can use it when you are not cycling. Make sure that you get the best match that blends well with the shoes you will be using for cycling.

U-lock

The last item that you need to pack for your big day out in the field is a U-lock. You need to ensure that you pack a lock that will keep your bike safe when it is out of your sight. This will go a long way in ensuring that you don’t win a race and lose your cherished machine that enabled you to win that particular race. You need to ensure that you purchase the best brand and model that is suitable for your bike and also from a reputable manufacturer so that it can serve its purpose effectively.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/tips-on-how-to-dress-up-and-pack-for-cycling/feed/0What is an Indoor Bicycle Trainer and How to Can you use it?http://learnaboutbicycles.com/indoor-bicycle-trainer/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/indoor-bicycle-trainer/#respondMon, 30 Nov 2015 21:19:54 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=922What is an indoor bicycle trainer? A bike trainer or simply put a “trainer” is a piece of equipment or a device that enables you to train and ride your bike in a stationary position. Just like a treadmill, the trainer enables you to ride in one place while enjoying all the benefits of riding […]

A bike trainer or simply put a “trainer” is a piece of equipment or a device that enables you to train and ride your bike in a stationary position. Just like a treadmill, the trainer enables you to ride in one place while enjoying all the benefits of riding outdoors. However, the only difference between the two equipments is that a treadmill is entirely designed to gym fitness while the trainer is attached to your bike in order for it to function.

Why do people use trainers?

Well, trainers are not another fancy device that decorates your bike. There are several good reasons why an indoor bike trainer is a necessary training tool for bikers.

First of all, the need for trainers arises from the desire for cyclists to cool down or warm up before or following a bike race and tournament.

The second reason why trainers are use is hostile weather conditions that may not favor outdoor training for cyclists. This is very ideal for riders and also safe for them, especially during stormy and icy weather conditions that may easily expose the biker to unnecessary injuries.

The third reason that necessitates the use of bike trainers is the lack of training time on the side of the bikers.

The fourth reason behind the use of indoor bike trainers is the desire to incorporate other entertainment activities into their training. Such entertainment may range from reading, checking the mail or even watching television.

The fifth reason behind the use of indoor bike trainers is the desire of bikers to improve on their stamina and riding speed.

What are the different types of indoor bike trainers available?

There are different types of indoor bike trainers in the market that are suitable for different biking needs and preferences. The main four types of trainers are based on the kind of resistance that they produce.

Fluid : These types of trainers are a combination of magnetic flywheel and fluid chambers for the purposes of producing resistance. Their main strength lies in that fact that they are a silent companion in the training room and their resistance level can be gradually increased with time. However, their downside is that they tend to overheat and at times this may lead to leaking.

Magnetic : These types of indoor trainers are made of as magnetic flywheel that creates a resistance for the rear wheel of the bike. The most beautiful side of these trainers is that they are silent .Their downside is that they have a resistance level limit and they are vulnerable to breakdown.

Wind : These types of trainers use a fan that is dependent on the cyclists’ legs for powering. The resistance that they produce is dependent on how fast or slow the cyclists ride the pedals. Their strength lies in the fact that they can also be used in outdoor settings. Their downside is that they are noisy and they have a limited resistance level.

Centrifugal: These types of indoor bike trainers have pressure plates that produce resistance to the rear tire. Their main advantage is that they are almost silent and their resistance level can be adjusted. Their main weakness is that they easily succumb to breaking once they are exposed to intense usage.

First things first: Getting your training space ready

This is the first stage that has to a set ready before you can effectively use your trainer. You have to create the right environment that will facilitate the success of your training sessions. Below is a list of some of the preparatory things that you need to set in order.

You need to take hold of a few basic tools that you need in order to make your training session more effective, welcoming, and enjoyable. The following is a list of those things:

The cycling trainer: Make sure that you move in your trainer into the right place.

Your bike: This is the most important gear you need because that is what you will need and use for the training session.

Front wheel block : It is better if you get one that will allow for different wheel heights.

Towels: These are essential because biking is a vigorous activity that involves sweating. You require a smaller towel for wiping your face and a bigger one for catching bigger drips of sweat that will be dropping off your body.

Entertainment gear: This is going to set a conducive environment for your training session and room. Don’t forget to carry an iPod, TV, DVD Player and your Smartphone as well.

Water:

Fan/s: You also need to set the environment ready for the workouts. You need to keep the atmosphere aerated and fresh as you practice and hence a fan or two will do just fine to keep you fresh.

Other room preparations will include the following:

Crack the window: This will go a long way in complementing the fans in keeping the training room full of fresh air.

Wireless headphones: These will do good if you are training in the morning, in a house with thon walls or early in the morning. These tools will help you keep your family members free from the noise of the TV set in the training room.

Close the heater vent: This is going to ensure that the heater vent does not erode the cooling gains gotten from the work of the cooling fans and the open windows.

Consider the size issue: This is another key factor to tale into keen consideration. The reason here is that some indoor trainers occupy more space than others and hence you need to factor in this issue before you set up the training room. Bear in mind that some indoor trainers are compact while other can be folded to save more storage space.

Build a training structure: This is another key issue to put into consideration before you even physically move into the training room. You need to have a defined structure and plan for your training. You have to set clear goals of what you want to achieve at the end of the training session. Additionally, you need to determine what you will achieve when you hit a milestone like 50% of your training program. You need to determine how long you would like to train before breaking and how long the training breaks will be.

Time to go training

After you have done all the above preparations, it is now time for you to get to the real thing, and that is the indoor training session.

Phase 1: Your initial Lactate Threshold (your first 30-45 days)

You need to increase your Lactate Threshold (LT) to a 92-95% of your efforts within 20 minutes. Make sure that you do the warm up as per the described order above and then do 2 x 20 at 92-95% of your LT at a cadence that is more than 90.This can be followed by a 10-minute recovery in between the efforts marked by a break of 5 minutes before finishing the 80 minute training session.

Weekend sessions: Do one to two rides at between 60 and 80 each session. Do one day of effort and one day of recovery.

Weekdays: You need to do at least two rides per week with a session of between 60 and 80 minutes each. You will require one recovery day between the two days of training.

Phase 2 A: Mid Intensity Effort Work ( 45- 75 days)

At this stage, you will have to decrease your interval duration while increasing your effort intensity. You will be required to dp a structured warm up and also do 3- 4 x 10 at 100-107% of your LT at a cadence above 90 coupled with a 5-minute recovery in between.

Weekdays: During the initial two weeks, do a one session on a weekly basis with other rides at LT. Thereafter, you can increase the sessions to 2 per week.

Weekends: You will need to do one session per weekend.

Phase 2 B: Mid Intensity effort Work (65-90 days)

At this stage of training, the effort is intensified while the interval time is decreased. After you are through with your warm-ups, you are supposed to do 4-5 x 5 at an LT level of between 110%-118%, all at a cadence that exceeds 90.At this stage of your training, recovery time is a very important issue and it should be done at a minimum of 100% of your effort time.

Weekdays: You will need two sessions per week while the other days stand in as recovery moments.

Weekends: During weekends, you need to take one session of training while other day remaining as recovery moment for 1 hour or 2 x 20 minutes at LT.

Phase 3: High Intensity levels mixed with LT Maintenance (the last 3-4 weeks of the program)

This is the last lap of the program and it should be approached with a lot of caution, discipline and determination. If this stage is not handled properly then all the preceding efforts in the initial days will not be able to yield much fruit. A lot of effort needs to be taken here so that you cross the finishing line stronger. This final stage needs to be a hybrid of efforts ranging from 1, 2, and 5 minutes respectively. All these efforts will go along way in ensuring that you arrive at the peak of the program safely and joyfully.

At this stage, you can go for a series of intensified efforts starting from 1-2 x 5 at 110-118 %, followed by 3-4 x 2 at 120% and lastly you will take it to 5-10 x 1 120- 120 %.At this stage, the recovery times should be at a minimum 100% of your effort time.

Weekdays: At this final stage, you need to take two training sessions per week while the remaining days will be dedicated to tempo or recovery.

Weekends: Here you need to take one session per weekend with remaining day being reserved for tempo or recovery for 1 Hour. Alternatively, you can take 2 x 20 minutes at LT.

Building capacity for the hardest parts of the race

Every professional biker knows too well that cycling is just as challenging as it is interesting and adventurous. The most challenging parts of this adventure is the successful and safe tackling of climbing and stiff terrains which exert extra mental and physical pressure on the biker. During your indoor training, you will also need to use your trainer to prepare your for such terrains in the forth coming road race. You will need to follow the simple but effective steps in order to get ready for the climbing challenges of the race:

First of all, you will need to simulate a hill situation by raising the front wheel of your bike.

After the simulation, you will be required to ride your bike for 10 minutes at a pace that you can comfortably manage for one hour (90-100% of your LT power).Once in every two minutes, you will need to stand and attack for 12 and 15 pedal strokes.

On top of the riding, you need to do some easy spin for some 10 minutes.

You will need to repeat the exercises in order to arrive at the desired level of preparation and mastery.

Striking the balance

From the start we have seen that the indoor bicycle trainer is a great tool in facilitating training. It is a great tool in finalizing your preparations for the final race on the road. However, there is need for the machine to be used in balance. It should not be used as the sole and exclusives tool for preparation for a race that is awaiting you. Remember that you will still need the benefits and inclusion of a structured training on the road where the actual race will take place.

]]>http://learnaboutbicycles.com/indoor-bicycle-trainer/feed/0How to Protect Your Bicycle from Thieveshttp://learnaboutbicycles.com/bike-thieves/
http://learnaboutbicycles.com/bike-thieves/#respondSun, 28 Jun 2015 21:36:19 +0000http://learnaboutbicycles.com/?p=786Introduction One of the worst occurrences in life takes place when a fellow human being ascribes to themselves the power and right to wrongfully take away from you the things you have rightfully achieved. Losing a bicycle to thieves is one of those unfortunate events that actually happen to many bike owners. It is therefore […]

One of the worst occurrences in life takes place when a fellow human being ascribes to themselves the power and right to wrongfully take away from you the things you have rightfully achieved. Losing a bicycle to thieves is one of those unfortunate events that actually happen to many bike owners. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of every owner to make sure that they keep their bicycles safe from the filthy and sticky hands of these bad boys and (a few) girls. This is because bikes are basic utilities to many individuals and families and some of these owners have a strong emotional attachment to these tools, going beyond just the monetary value of the bikes.

However, the fact that bicycle theft takes place should not be a cause of alarm for you as a bike owner. Just as you may not stop the birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from building a nest on it, it is also a sigh of relief to know that you can actually prevent these bad boys and girls from stealing your bike. Just move on with me and find out the many possible options available at your disposal that you can use to keep your bike safe and thief-proof.

Why bicycles are stolen

Before we move on and discuss concrete measures that can keep “thiefy” hands off your valuable bike, let us find out why exactly thieves will target to steal your bike. The general underlying reasons are greed and another one is poverty. Greed may come to the front when one may look for all the extra-legal means to own things that they actually do not need, even when they have the financial ability to purchase those items. The second reason being poverty is inspired by the need to either possess that bike, but the thief can’t afford it or they want to get hold of it and convert it into some cash to meet other needs. However, most of these thieves steal bikes to feed addictive behavior and in particular drug and substance abuse in the ghettos.

Some worrying figures

As it stands right now, bicycle theft is on the rise in the developed world. Official statistics across major cities in North America and Western Europe are indicating the following:

– At least 1 bike is being stolen every minute;

– At least 50 % of all the bikes that are being stolen are stolen from home because most families assume that it is safe by default;

– Per year, over 20,000 bicycle theft cases are reported to the police, which is less than 10% of the total number of bikes stolen; and

– Less than 10 % of the bikes stolen are recovered.

Taking charge, not chances

The following are practical measures that you need to take to ensure that your bike is safe from thieves:

Avoid these spots

When parking in public places, do not leave your bike in places that are or look deserted and unsafe. If you feel that part of town is not safe for you, then it is not safe for your bike either. Places such as lonely alleys are obviously the wrong places for you to park your bike. When you park, make sure that the area has a heavy traffic of people so that to be sure that your bike will be visible to as many people as possible. Also make sure that if you are parking at night, the place does not just have heavy human traffic, but also it is well lit to enhance visibility.

Understand common tricks employed by bike thieves

All bike thieves are swift in executing their dirty missions. One of the things they take advantage of is that they know most people assume that a thief needs a long time to steal. Once you understand this you will be cautious to know that even a minute or a few seconds of neglect are enough time for them to steal.

To get to the core of this, it is always advisable to take time and do a mental “theft drill”. This means you may need to sit and watch bikers in the parking lot for a few minutes. Try to imagine that if you were a thief: what kind of strategies would you use to be a “smarter thief”? What loop holes would you exploit in the bicycle owners in order for you to steal? If you can answer these questions, then apply the same in the reverse because it will help you be more cautious.

Some thieves will use diversionary tactics. For instance, they may come and deflate or puncture your tires. This is meant to get you off the parking bay and get you to the nearest bike shop. Since they will have noticed you, they can organize themselves to trail you as you seek for repair while the others are carrying off your bike. Once you notice such strange and suspicious punctures, carry your bike with you to the bike shop.

Home safety

When parking at home, make sure that you never leave your bike unlocked just because it is at home. Most bike thefts take place at home. Lock your bike in the garage or fasten it to an immovable object. Also make sure that the garage is built facing away from public view,but near or facing neighbors. This measure will ensure that any thief who comes will have to be visible in the neighborhood and it will be easier for you and your neighbors to notice any suspicious stranger lurking around.

Never over trust the CCTV

As sad as it may sound, most of the bike thefts take place in the glare of the cameras. Cameras do not and cannot stop thieves from stealing your bike. On the contrary, CCTV can onlyrecord them as they steal it and so make sure that the human eyes watching your bike are available in plenty.

Invest in a good lock

Take some coins and invest in a proper security lock. A branded D or U lock is preferable because most cable locks can be cut through easily using a hacksaw. The reason behind this is that thieves will have to spend longer time trying to destroy a strong lock and this will deter them because their mission requires swiftness to accomplish. So the longer it takes for them to work, the harder it becomes for them to accomplish their mission.

Use the lock properly

Getting the right lock is just the beginning. You need to know how to lock the bike properly. Make sure that you lock both the wheels and the frame. The reason is that if the wheels are easy to remove, it only takes a few moments for the thieves to disconnect them and carry away the frame and leave behind the wheels still tied onto the stand. After you have locked the bike, make sure that the lock is as tight as possible so that the bad boys do not have it easy trying to get through their “tools of trade” in order to tamper with it.

Once you have locked the bike, make sure that you fasten it to an immovable stand or object that the bad guys cannot easily break or lift the bike over it and steal. Make sure that the post or stand is strong enough, made of material that will not take a thief a few seconds or minutes to cut through. Always remember to keep the lock facing downwards so that it is harder for the thief to try to pour in any corrosive substance that they might want to use in order to compromise and weaken your lock.

Do the recording

It is always advisable to record the serial number of your bike and keep it safe as soon as you buy it. This acts as a measure that you can use to help trace the bike in case it is stolen. However, this will only help in case the bike was sold whole because most of the bikes that are never recovered are usually dismantled into spare parts.

Do the marking

You can enhance the security of your bike by marking it with a unique code so that it can be used by police to track it. Moreover, you can make the mark more visible and enhance it with a tamper-proof sticker. This means that the thief who wanted to steal your bike for a quick sale in the streets will have it harder because they have to remove the tags first before disposing of it, which is a luxury that they can’t afford.

Register your bike

This is another safety measure that you can take to ensure that you recover your bike in case it is stolen. Registering the bike online and getting a logbook will give you proof of ownership and ease of recovery.

Get more aggressive and name it

Another way to enhance the safety of your bike is to drill your name on its frame. This will act as a deterrent to thieves who want to steal and sell because it is possible for them to unmark the bike before they dispose of it. However, it is not possible to remove the drill marks.

Do not let the lock touch the ground

Once you have locked your bike, do not let the safety lock touch the ground. This is because it will be much easier for the thief to sledgehammer it on the ground and break it easily. Make things harder for the thieves because a lock that is touching the ground will take shorter time to break and that is all that a thief needs to steal, just some little time.

Be generous,but cautious as well

It is not strange to hear of cases where someone disappeared with another person’s bike. When you want to lend out your bicycle, always make sure that you lend it to someone you really know well and also be sure that the person can be trusted. We have “confidence” thieves who will easily cheat you out of your bike.

Give out your bike to responsible bikers only

Make sure that you do not allow young or irresponsible people go out with your bike. If you are allowing your teenage kids to go out with it, then make sure that they are responsible enough to know how to handle a bike in public. Ensure that you have trained them in all the matters relating to anti-theft measures so that you don’t watch them come back home on foot reporting that the bike has been stolen.

Do not park your bike in the same place every day

This is another precaution that is easily and often ignored, if not forgotten. Most bike owners usually assume that since they have fulfilled all the above, this one is not important.However,if you happen to be using your bike to commute to work and you use public parking bays, make a habit of regularly changing your parking position unless you are parking in a securely guarded place. This is because thieves will soon notice your parking patterns and if it happens to be the kind of model and brand they are targeting, you will become more vulnerable to their schemes. Most of the bike theft cases are coordinated and they are usually executed on order and it may not be easy for you to know if your bike model “qualifies” for that order.

Disassemble your bike

If you happen to be parking your bike for a long a time in the same place, it is a good safety precaution to remove the saddle, axle or even the wheels. Most thieves would prefer a bike that is ready for riding and sale. Unless it is being stolen for spare parts, then you can be sure that your bike will safe for the long-term.

Enhance the bike’s “ugliness value”

Not unless the thieves are targeting your bike for spare parts, they will always want to steal a machine that looks nice so that they can fetch more money out of its sale. This is a good measure for those who do park their bikes for longer periods of time in the same spot. This means that if you deliberately remove the eye-catching features of the bike, then the bad guys will not consider your bike a worthy catch.

Night security

You can park your bike in a public place for a whole day.However, never leave your bike locked in a public parking for a whole night.